"Save Our NHS" Rally Is A Huge Success!

8.14.25pm UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 12th Mar 2007

Richard Burt (centre) leads the march through Malvern with Kidderminster MP, Dr Richard Taylor (left) and Worcester GP, Dr John O’Driscoll (right).

Richard Burt, who organised last Saturday's 'Save our Health Service' march and rally, has hailed the event a great success. Mr Burt, who is the Liberal Democrats' parliamentary candidate for West Worcestershire, had stressed the event was a cross-party, community protest and had attracted Independent MP, Dr Richard Taylor, Worcester GP, Dr John O'Driscoll and Malvern Town Councillor Pat Merrick to speak.

Sadly, local Conservatives brought the event to an unhappy end by displaying Conservative election posters with felt tipped slogans including one that said "Conservatives - the only vote." Conservative Party candidate Harriett Baldwin was heckled for making a party political statement. She pressed ahead regardless and eventually members of the public threw down their placards in disgust and stormed away from the rally.

"I don't think Harriett did herself or her party any favours," said Richard Burt. "She completely misread the mood of the rally, and appeared unable or unwilling to change tack. It's a shame, because it brought a sour note to the end of a very harmonious protest and a very successful day."

Malvern Town Councillor and veteran health campaigner, Pat Merrick, addresses the rally with Richard Burt.

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