Manchester rally

Demonstration news

What came out loud and clear was the link people made between money being spent on wars - Iraq, etc - and weapons (Trident) and the cuts being made in the NHS.

CSP members were out in force in Manchester on Saturday 3 March as part of the NHS Together campaign's day of action in support and celebration of the National Health Service. Twenty physiotherapy students joined almost 50 qualified physiotherapists and physiotherapy assistants at the march and rally, helping to swell the ranks leafleting the general public and stopping traffic. Estimates put attendance at the Manchester march and rally at a very respectable 500 - not bad considering the competition, a lunchtime kick-off between Liverpool and Man Utd! See our photo review of the rally further down this page.

The main focus of the day was in support of 250 mental health workers who have been on strike against cuts in jobs and services, the downgrading of posts and threats of privatisation.

A number of speakers addressed the rally, including one of the mental health workers (a UNISON member), who told the rally that they had been successful - through their industrial action - in stopping job losses and downgrading, but still have a lot of fighting to do with regards to the privatisation of NHS services. The on-going threat of privatisation was a common theme running through all of the speeches.

A speaker from the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) highlighted the problem of graduate unemployment amongst newly qualified midwives. She also made reference to physios here, which was greeted with raucous cheers and applause by the CSP contingency.

An unexpected address came from a consultant who was just passing (i.e. not attending the rally on purpose) who felt he just had to get up and say something to show his support.

In addition to NHS issues, the rally was also addressed by the Stop the War coalition, and the rally ended with a final address from a representative from the Pensioners Campaign, who remembered the times before the NHS was formed. He gave a heart-rending account of his father being too poor to pay the doctor, and who felt so embarrassed for years afterwards. He was horrified to think that we could return to those days.

Karen O'Dowd, CSP Senior Negotiating Officer, said of the rally:

"It was definitely a bash Brown, Blair and Hewitt event. What came out loud and clear was the link people made between money being spent on wars - Iraq, etc - and weapons (Trident) and the cuts being made in the NHS. There were also many strong references to privatisation, unemployed graduates and job losses. These references obviously struck a chord - as we marched members of the public came up to us and gave us good wishes and supportive messages, and cars beeped their horns in support."

Gabrielle Archer, a physiotherapist at Liverpool PCT, said:

"I had a great day and was glad I made the effort to come along - it was better than doing the housework, which is what I would normally be doing on a Saturday! Seriously, it was great to see a strong CSP presence and we were all very vocal and joined in the chanting on the march."

Margaret McDowell, CSP regional steward for Mersey, Cheshire and the Isle of Man (and also lead vocals for the CSP's chanting choir, as well as chief photographer), said:

"It was a great day, good turnout and great to see the students here. I thoroughly enjoyed it."

Karen O'Dowd, CSP Senior Negotiating Officer, adds:

"It was a good turnout of North West CSP members and whilst most of our contingent were stewards and activists, it was pleasing to see ordinary members there also. It was really good to see the students from Liverpool University and great to see them getting local media coverage. All-in-all a good day and an added bonus to see us on the local ITV and BBC news that evening!"