Listening?

David Cameron has just been on Radio 4 this morning, claiming that he has "a strong personal commitment to the NHS and what it means." He also said that the government needed to listen to staff and reform their proposals for the NHS. However, at the same time, he said that the process would continue on the ground as there were some 'reforms' that no-one disagreed with.

According to our 'listening' prime minister, these include greater independence for hospitals and GP commissioning. It does make you wonder who he's been listening to. And it makes it very clear that we still have a long way to go if we are to defeat these proposals, which will effectively mean the end of the NHS as a universal public service.

Pressure over the next few weeks will be crucial and anyone who hasn't done so should contact their MP immediately, particularly if they are a LibDem or Tory with a small majority. We need to make it clear that their position on the NHS could well be the deciding factor as to whether they keep their seat at the next election.

We also need to keep the pressure up on the streets to show the strength of public feeling. This year's May Day weekend should be another display of the anger people feel about cuts to the NHS and to all public services.

The London May Day march will take place on Sunday 1st May and the Oxford May Day march and rally on Monday 2nd. Check out www.odtuc.org.uk for full details.