Huddersfield HRI campaign at a Barnsley NHS protest 28 October 2017, photo Huddersfield Socialist Party

Huddersfield HRI campaign at a Barnsley NHS protest 28 October 2017, photo Huddersfield Socialist Party   (Click to enlarge: opens in new window)

Michaela Bower, Huddersfield Socialist Party

Around 150 people came together from across the north of England in Barnsley to protest against NHS cuts on 28 October. With campaign groups from Lincoln, Huddersfield, Chorley, Liverpool, Leeds and many more, these campaigners long ago realised that, while they must campaign for their local services, this is a widespread threat to the entirety of the NHS across the country.

The strength of the campaign groups will depend on linking up and coordination. As we chanted on the demo: “One fight, we all unite!”

The decision to demonstrate in Barnsley was taken due to the impending closure of the Mount Vernon hospital by the end of this year once services have been relocated to other NHS sites in the area. This will force residents to travel further, and increase the potential for overcrowding of services in other NHS sites.

Socialist Party members from across Yorkshire attended the demonstration, with Huddersfield Socialist Party secretary Mike Forster invited to speak at the rally at the end of the demonstration. Over 70 people bought copies of the Socialist.

  • Socialism 2017 (11 and 12 November, central London)

Discussions include: can NHS privatisation be stopped before it’s too late?

Find out more and book tickets at socialism2017.net