National protests are breaking out over Virgin’s bid to take over NHS primary care.

Tonight (17th March) the Oxford protest was attended by 40-50 people - activists lobbying both entrances to the Oxford university venue. Activists commission a new banner for the occasion ‘Virgin on the ridiculous’ featuring Richard Branson - clutching his assets! Those who attended the event reported hard cash inducements - one family doctor commented that it was a full 20 minutes before the word ‘patients’ was mentioned.

The demonstration was backed by health unions, the Trades Union Council, and greetings came from pensioners, NHS activists and post workers.

For pictures see www.keepournhspublic.org.uk

Remember:

This ‘business friendly’ government faced with the choice of having a bank run by Virgin or the state chose nationalisation. Perhaps they should nationalise GP surgeries - or are they less important? Virgin Atlantic airways are currently being forced to repay customers possibly millions for illegal price fixing with British Airways. They only avoided a huge fine by blowing the whistle on BA first thereby getting immunity.

Virgin have recently lost their rail franchise locally because of their poor record of running a railway.

Getting comprehensive integrated healthcare wrong is a lot more serious.