Broxtowe Save Our NHS target local MP Anna Soubry

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This morning in Beeston the Broxtowe Save Our NHS campaign delivered its Christmas spectacular. A giant Christmas card was brought into Beeston, on which people were able to send their messages of seasonal goodwill to their MP, Anna Soubry. These messages were of course somewhat infused with the feelings people have about the NHS, and the damage being inflicted on it now by Soubry and her Tory and Lib-Dem friends.

Don’t forget that the Health and Social Care Act is now beginning to tear strips off the NHS - the juicy profitable strips that is, that the Tories' business friends can make a killing out of. Soubry is junior health minister, and this is the Act that was described as “an embarrassment to democracy” by nearly 250 leading doctors in a letter to a national newspaper. Nurses, Occupational Therapists, patient's groups, and pretty much everyone else are equally opposed.

Belting out the Christmas cheer, the Clarion Choir sang a number of carols specially adapted to the theme of defending the NHS. The busy town centre was filled with the sound of political choristry. Free tea, coffee and mince pies were on hand to warm everyone up, though the sun made a brave effort too. In between the choir’s sessions, a small sound system played Christmas songs from reggae, punk, and all kinds of other musical traditions.

The Christmas card soon filled up, and plenty of people took postcards for their friends and neighbours. Anna Soubry will certainly have a big Christmas post bag.

The Health and Social Care Act could prove fatal to the NHS as we know it. But don’t forget it could also have the potential to unite and mobilise large sections of the general public, service users, as well as the Trade Unions, with the potential to culminate in a “poll tax moment” for the government.

Merry Christmas One and All.