Thousands Militantly Demonstrate
in Defence of the NHS

As many as 7,000 marched from the South Bank to a militant rally at Downing Street on Saturday, May 18.

The demonstration had been called by an unprecedented coalition of London residents, medical staff, trade unions and health campaigners in London. The local campaigns have been mobilising thousands on the streets in their communities to defend local hospitals against threats of closure and down-grading.

There were big mobilisations from the Lewisham, Ealing, Hammersmith and Whittington NHS campaigns on the demonstration, as well as big contingents from the trade unions with their banners. Many health workers also joined the march.

Unprecedentedly, a platform was erected opposite Downing Street and the thousands of demonstrators staged a rally with speakers representing health workers, their trade unions, and the local campaigns, as well as a number of MPs who reflect the sentiment of their constituents to fight to safeguard the future of the NHS. The Save Lewisham Hospital campaign banner had been prominent near the front of the march, and Dr Louise Irvine, chair of the campaign, gave the opening and penultimate speeches. Her call was for the militant unity of all to give the movement to defend the NHS and against its privatisation a coherent national character.

While the speeches took place, a petition was delivered to Number 10 Downing Street.

The demonstration represented a significant stepping stone in demonstrating the sentiment of the working class and people in their fight to change the direction of the NHS. Throughout the demonstration the call was heard time and again: Whose NHS? Our NHS!

Dr Louise Irvine, chair of the Save Lewisham Hospital campaign, speaking opposite Downing Street

RCPB(ML) Film of the demonstration