From Gill George, Keep Hackney NHS Public

The joint 'Keep Our NHS Public' meeting last week was a very well-attended and positive one, with campaigners present from across London.

All sorts of initiatives were discussed, including: pressure on the TUC for a national demonstration; a statement or petition that can be used around trade union branches, community groups and so on to build support; a lobby of the Labour Party Conference in September; a London-wide demonstration. There is also a meeting called by Unison activists in Birmingham this Saturday.

Since the meeting, it has emerged that our national trade unions are planning a serious programme of activities, with a national lobby of Parliament when MPs return from their (long!) Summer break, regional demonstrations, and a national demonstration early next year. This is incredibly encouraging news, and potentially a major breakthrough in building the campaign to defend the NHS - although it will take a great deal of hard work to build these events.

The follow-up meeting to last week's London-wide meeting is tomorrow (Wednesday 26th July) at 7.30pm, Calthorpe Arms, 252 Grays Inn Road - walking distance of Kings Cross or Russell Square stations. This is a more detailed planning meeting to take forward the ideas discussed last week. All welcome.

Please let me know if you would like more information about any of these events.