Cutting services like Stroud's cherished Maternity Hospital does not even make economic sense.

To find the the truth behind the funding crisis we need to go beyond claims that Gloucestershire are losing out compared to other health authorities. Labour are literally throwing away money at the private sector: under the Private Finance Schemes it was revealed this month that companies involved with the NHS are set to make colossal windfall profits of £3.3 billion.

In addition to these controversial finance schemes, health authorities are being forced to use private companies where operations cost more while the NHS is paying companies 20% more than most European countries for our drugs. The NHS is also facing hugely damaging internal market reforms, a failing £6 billion national computer system and is being needlessly forced to balance the books in one year.

Greens urge people to sign the national online petition to stop the privatisation of the NHS linked to our website under 'Campaigns' (www.glosgreenparty.org.uk). Greens will also be voicing the strongest opposition to these unnecessary cuts and urging others to do likewise. Already locally there is massive cross-party opposition and we must mobilise all of it. These cuts cannot be allowed to happen.