Campaigners from Nottinghamshire Save Our Service (Notts SOS) protested outside Virgin Media on Clumber Street, Nottingham today (Saturday July 9th) against governments plans to open the NHS up to private companies.

The protest at Virgin followed a rally at Speakers' Corner, Market Square, where Secretary of State Andrew Lansley was 'put on trial' for his role in promoting the Health and Social Care Bill, which campaigners fear will open the door to the privatisation of the NHS.

Virgin Media was targeted because of a report which revealed that Assura Medical, part of Richard Branson's Virgin Group was particularly well positioned to benefit from the Bill.

The Bureau of Investigative Journalism (TBIJ) reported in June that 10% of board members of the 52 'pathfinder' GP consortia, were directors of private healthcare providers. More than 60% of those with private links were associated with Assura Medical.

Rosemary Muge from Notts SOS said, "They are now desperately spinning to build support for the Health Bill. But make no mistake, the fact that Andrew Lansley says his main intentions are still intact means that even with these alterations they are leaving the way open for private companies to take over and make profits from sickness."

Harry Powell from the campaign said, "There has been widespread anger about the plans contained in the Health and Social Care Bill. Until now much of it has been directed against the architects of the Bill: Lansley, Cameron and Clegg. But those companies looking to profit from the destruction of the NHS need to realise that they are not immune from protest."

Notes for editors

1. Notts SOS was launched on 29th September 2010. They oppose cuts to services, job losses and cuts in benefits and aim to support workers organisations, service users, community groups in fighting cuts in Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire. They hope to inspire confidence to think, meet and act. And to be inspired.

2. The original report from the Bureau of Investigative Journalism was covered by the Independent, The Telegraph and the Daily Mail, and is available online http://tinyurl.com/6jpqg9c

ENDS