The demonstrations – largely organised by protest group UK Uncut - campaigned against proposed reforms to the NHS, set to dramatically change the structure of the National Health Service for the first time in its 60 year history.
The protests - greatly mobilised with the help of social networks - saw ‘#blockthebill’, become an increasingly popular ‘trending’ topic on Twitter, as thousands around the country had by lunchtime vowed to attend, or at least advocated their support for the demonstrations. Even celebrities added to the clout, with comedian Russell Brand tweeting; ‘Save NHS from privatisation. I will be there dressed as a wounded pigeon’.
The government continue to dismiss claims that the reforms will bring privatisation to the National Health Service, but many analysts, theorists and academics have argued to the contrary claiming the remodelling to bring about inevitable competition in the providing of healthcare from various healthcare companies under the proposed guidelines.
“And people pay their National Insurance contributions. They’re not paying for them to go into the pockets of private investors. They’re paying it for health. Health shouldn’t be a question of profit and shouldn’t be a question of competition.
“It should be for everybody and it belongs to everybody”, she added.
Campaigners were backed by trade union and socialist groups – including the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union, whose general secretary referred to the proposals as a bill that “no one voted for”. Meanwhile Strawberry Thieves, a south-London socialist choir provided musical entertainment singing well-known songs, invariably substituting original lyrics to themes opposing the government and NHS reforms.
For others though, attendance was compulsory, with the protest being a personal cause.
“We’re here today because of the National Health Cuts. We’re trying to save the National Health Service, its going through privatisation, and through the back door, and we’re trying to stop it and keep it free to everybody.” another campaigner, Elizabeth Webb said.
“It’s actually affecting us now. I’ve got two physically disabled daughters at home and the appointments that they have; they’re having to wait longer now to get in. It’s gonna get even worse. I’ve seen the nurses running around. They haven’t got time to look after everybody… It’s really bad”. Ms Webb (pictured, right) elaborated.
Ms Webb, who had travelled from as far out as
“We’re just an ordinary family and we’re actually feeling it… All my bills have gone up and we’re struggling now. We’re struggling to keep warm… We’ve had to go out and cut firewood for the winter coming up. We shouldn’t have to do that!
