Send a message to the House of Lords to protect the NHS from a US trade deal
https://weownit.org.uk/ask-house-lords-pass-nhs-protection-amendment-today In September we took part in two important and safely organised marches and rallies in Brighton: Pay Justice for NHS Workers; and Brighton Black Lives Matter.
The Pay Justice for NHS Workers march (above) was again called by local nurses, with the support of the GMB Union. It was impressive, with health workers and supporters marching from Hove through Brighton town centre. Shoppers in Churchill Square joined their silent tribute to the 600 colleagues in Britain who have lost their lives in the Covid epidemic, and listened to a rallying call for a 15% pay rise. Outrageously, nurses and other NHS workers have even been left out of the token rise awarded to other public sector workers in the summer. The campaign continues: more action is planned for the end of October, so let organisers or ourselves know if you can support in any way, and keep an eye via Facebook, and our website. End the Hostile Environment! End racism in the NHS! The plight of migrants taking increasingly dangerous journeys and being denied a safe haven in the UK was highlighted by speakers in the Brighton Black Lives Matter march and rally on Hove Lawns (above). About 1000 people listened with rapt attention while speakers and poets illustrated their own and other's experiences of institutional and direct racism. Racism impacts health workers and health services. A recent example is reported in The Guardian: a consultant has accused an NHS Trust in Birmingham of forcing him into enslavement after making an unfounded and racist allegation of fraud against him that was later dropped. At the Brighton Black Lives Matter rally, Sussex Defend the NHS and Brighton & Hove Stand Up to Racism highlighted the campaign by NHS workers in local hospitals to re-establish their staff-led BME Network, against the opposition of the CEO. Organisers in the BME Network want to hear from members of the community who work for Brighton and Sussex Hospital Trust, so please get in touch if you would like to hear more: [email protected] Meanwhile the so-called coronavirus 'exemption' from charging and immigration checks is not working. Migrants are too fearful of the Hostile Environment to come forward, and face many other barriers to accessing health care during the pandemic. Join with MedAct, Patients not Passports and Stand Up to Racism to keep up the pressure against the appalling racist policies pursued so vigorously by this government and its Home Secretary. A weekend of community action is planned in Hastings on October 10th to welcome refugees. |
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Sussex Defend the NHS Archives
February 2023
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