Labour risks election defeat over attacks on NHS

Geoff Martin of Health Emergency has hit the nail on the head by comparing the tidal wave of protests against Government health policy with the movement against the poll tax.

There are thousands of people mobilised to defend the greatest achievement of any Labour Government – our National Health Service. The protests are being co-ordinated by Keep Our NHS Public as well as through the trade union campaign – NHS Together.

The challenge which faces trade unionists and Labour Party members – indeed all those who want to defend our health service from cuts and privatisation is to step up effective political pressure on the Government. That is why it is so important that there is a contender for the Labour Party leadership who is speaking out in defence of our Health Service.


John McDonnell is right to warn that Labour risks losing many seats at the next election – the policy changes for which John is calling, in line with trade union policies, are essential if we are to save both our Health Service and the Labour Party itself.