31st December 2021 – New Years Eve 2021
NEW YEARS EVE: Behind the NHS tinsel and glitter is the reality of life and death – 24/7 operating, assessing, measuring, scanning, recording, medicating, exercising, washing, cleaning, feeding, transporting – and we give our heartfelt thanks to all NHS workers for caring for us in many varied ways over the festive period and throughout the year….
Some say that the NHS is a system or organisation – but we know that it is our friends, relatives, the guy next door, the woman in the cafe and that person up the street who want to do their very best – not “angels” or “heroes”, but people with families and homes who have their own share of happiness and joy and stress and sadness and who, at work, are caring and hardworking professionals who want to make a difference.
Throughout 2022, the Government now need to match this by providing a good working environment – and not running down our services; by ensuring adequate staffing – and not diminishing our workforce; and by paying a fair wage – and not a low wage.
Behind the tinsel and glitter, that is the reality. 2021 has been a long and difficult year, and we give our sincere thanks to all NHS staff. We also thank all KONPNE supporters for their persistence in fighting for a publicly funded, publicly provided and publicly accountable NHS, which is available to all. Thankyou for being part of the team in 2021 – and we’ll be back in the New Year to join forces and to continue the fight. See you then – and wishing all a very happy and healthy New Year
xx Keep our NHS Public North East
24th December 2021 – Festive Greetings!
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Festive Greetings!
Thank you very much for all your support this year and our best wishes for a happy and healthy 2022
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21st December 2021 – KONP contacts Police Commissioner Cressida Dick
Further to the People’s Covid Inquiry earlier this year, Dr Tony O’Sullivan and Dr John Puntis (Co-Chairs of National KONP) have written to Police Commissioner Cressida Dick re Governments gross negligence and misconduct in public office, requesting that she authorises an investigation of the facts from the Inquiry with a view to considering prosecutions. Misconduct in public office is an offence under common law defined as where there is wilful neglect of duty ‘to such a degree as to amount to an abuse of the public’s trust in the office holder.’ The report also suggests there may be the offence of corporate manslaughter. Click here to read the letter and for further information – and watch this space….
12th December 2021: Further privatisation by North Tyneside CCG
Article in the national newspaper “Health Campaigns Together”, published today
More info is on our website here
9th December 2021: Cartoons received from Awry
Many thanks to cartoonist Awry for the pictorial response to recent goings-on in North Tyneside. It is clear to many people, perhaps with the exception of North Tyneside Clinical Commissioning Group, that North Tyneside CCG should not be wasting taxpayers money by contracting out to international private, profit making healthcare companies with shareholders….and for North Tyneside CCG to describe these predatory private companies as being part of a rosy and cosy “NHS family” is, itself, laughable…. if it wasn’t such an appallingly serious issue.
“North Tyneside CCG, following an evaluation exercise, has extended the Livi pilot contract while it procures a ‘Complementary GP Video Consultation Service’ for North Tyneside”. North Tyneside CCG website (September 2021)
KONPNE disagrees with North Tyneside CCGs warm and glowing portrayal of private providers as being part of a rosy and cosy “NHS family” (North Tyneside CCG: “Livi: Complementary GP Video Consultation Service Pilot Evaluation” page 33). The reality is, of course, very different. We strongly object to the insidious privatisation of the NHS: North Tyneside CCG should not be wasting taxpayers money by contracting out to private, profit making companies with shareholders.
Read more about this issue, our KONPNE response to the CCG commissioning, and national press reporting here
2nd December 2021: Winter in the NE – and the Campaign heats up
Our final KONPNE meeting of the year – but no slowing down…in fact, the Campaign heats up – good to have feedback about initiatives in the North East, and also conversations about our future campaigning regarding “Livi” in North Tyneside, and the Health and Care Bill. The notes from our meeting tonight are here.
No KONPNE social gatherings are taking place this Christmas due to Covid – but our thoughts are with all over the festive period, and as we move into the New Year. And, of course, our Campaigning does not stop. Please click here to find out how you can assist over the Christmas period.
All are welcome to launch our 2022 Campaigning at the 6th January 2022 KONPNE meeting, commencing at 7pm, and lasting for 1 hr 30mins – log in details are here. We meet on the first Thursday of every month.
1st December 2021: Findings of The People’s Covid Inquiry are published
Today, The People’s Covid Inquiry organised by national Keep Our NHS Public presented their final and completed report.
In the absence of a formal public inquiry into the pandemic, The People’s Covid Inquiry began in February 2021, took place over 9 sessions and concluded it’s hearings in the summer. It covered all aspects of the government’s handling of the pandemic and heard testimony from a wide range of people and organisations. These included previous government advisors and key academics, as well as frontline workers and bereaved family members. The Inquiry was chaired by world renowned human rights barrister Michael Mansfield QC who, together with a panel of experts, delivered their findings and recommendations on all main aspects of the pandemic to date.
The Full Report and an Executive Summary are on our webpage here
27th November 2021: No stopping the Campaigners from East and West Gosforth
It is always great to get support from local groups and organisations and, today, campaigners from East and West Gosforth Labour Party branches held their usual monthly street stall on Gosforth High Street. In the wake of Storm Arwen, it was decided to do without a table – it would have blown away! The action focused on protecting the NHS from privatisation, and especially the current atrocious Health and Care Bill. Party members gave out a fair number of KONP leaflets, despite the awful weather.
A big THANKYOU to all involved. Whilst individual supporters of KONPNE may have a personal membership of one of the wide range of political groups and organisations, KONPNE as an organisation does not align itself with any one specific political party. We are happy to welcome and work alongside any individual or group who support a publicly funded and publicly provided NHS. A range of leaflets are available for individuals or organisations to buy and distribute (very cheaply, at £9 for 500, or £15 for 1000). Please get in touch with us at konpnortheast@gmail.com if you as an individual, or with friends, or as a member of your organisation are willing to host a street stall, hand out leaflets or post through the letter boxes in your street… we are happy to update you on the latest details and point you towards the most appropriate resources
6th November 2021: NE England Global Climate Day of Action
Great to join with “Patients Not Passports”, “Medact, health professionals and members of the public at todays march and rally in Newcastle upon Tyne. No doubt about it – climate change is a (life or death) health issue….
Many thanks to the organisers of todays very successful event. Click here for coverage in the Chronicle.
4th November 2021: KONP meets – locally and nationally
Monthly meeting this evening – but much shortened (30 mins) and at an earlier time, so that supporters may attend the national KONP online rally. A brief discussion on plans to support the forthcoming climate change march and rally in Newcastle, plus updates on the campaigns re Livi and the Health and Care Bill.
Notes from the KONPNE meeting this evening are here
A link to the national KONP rally is here – some powerful speeches. Rally hosted by “Keep Our NHS Public”, “NHS Workers Say No” and “NHS Staff Voices”
All are welcome at the 2nd December KONPNE meeting – next month at the usual time of 7pm, and lasting for 1 hr 30mins – log in details are here. We meet on the first Thursday of every month.
2nd November 2021: Freedom of Information request to North Tyneside CCG re “LIVI”
Dear North Tyneside CCG
Freedom of Information Act 2000 – Request for Information – NHS North Tyneside CCG
I would be grateful if you would please provide the following documents / information regarding the “Livi” pilot scheme in North Tyneside Primary Care, commissioned by North Tyneside CCG, commencing Summer 2020:
1) Please provide the formal minutes, action plans and notes relating to past meetings of the Livi Steering Group (the multi-agency group, hosted by North Tyneside CCG, to oversee the Livi pilot and evaluation). We have the minutes for meetings in October 2020 and January 2021 – no need to resend these.
2) Further to the Livi evaluation provided on the North Tyneside CCG website, we are particularly interested in minutes and notes relating to the process of this CCG evaluation and the associated decision making. We expect feedback to include the membership of the Steering Group / panel and key comments and/or statements made by individual panel members. Please also clarify and provide information as to whether the decision to extend the Livi contract and procure a complementary GP video consultation service was unanimous or otherwise.
3) We understand that North Tyneside CCG now intend to make a case to take this type of service to procurement. You will be aware of the huge outcry from local people regarding the further privatisation of our NHS in North Tyneside, and it is essential that future investment remains within locally-based NHS primary care services – and not to private business with shareholders. Given that a new service will be commissioned, we anticipate public engagement and public consultation – please provide information of CCG plans and timetable.
Your responses will be made available to members of “Keep Our NHS Public North East”
I thank you for your attention
Keep Our NHS Public North East
More information about the Anti-Privatisation Livi Campaign in North Tyneside is on our webpage here
1st November 2021: Emails to three North East MPs
Further to the very successful campaign actions in the North East on Saturday (see post below, 30th October) regarding the Health and Care Bill, KONPNE has today written to Ian Levy MP (Blyth), Richard Holden MP (NW Durham) and Dehenna Davison MP (Bishop Auckland). We await their responses, which we will share with all supporters.
“Dear ………………………………..MP,
As part of the national day of action against the Health and Care Bill, “Keep Our NHS Public North East” and “We Own It” supporters and friends held a very successful public event in ……………………………………… on Saturday.
An account and photos are on the Keep Our NHS Public North East website at https://konpnortheast.com/news/
Posts are also on facebook and twitter as follows – (we provided the social media links re the three specific locations)
We are counting on you to oppose this Bill or, at the very least, to support multiple amendments to the Bill which address two major flaws which place our NHS at great risk. Information relating to this was provided to your office after the action, and I also attach a copy for your convenience.
Members of “Keep Our NHS Public North East” await your response
I thank you for your attention
Keep Our NHS Public North East”
The information provided to each of the three MPs is here
30th October 2021: Halloween: Private companies are sucking the lifeblood of the NHS
“We Own It” national day of action against the Health and Care Bill
What’s so scary about the Health and Care Bill? It sounds harmless, right? Don’t be fooled – this legislation has real fangs, and will further drive privatisation into our NHS. This Bill will drain more resources, power and money away from the NHS and into the hands of the likes of billionaire Virgin Care owner, Richard Branson.
Today – some lively street theatre in three locations across the North East – all with a very important message. Supporters of KONPNE and “We Own It” dressed in Halloween costume to get the point across – but this really is now a matter of huge concern, and your assistance is needed.
The Health and Care Bill is currently making its way through Parliament; if passed, this will make it harder to get the treatment that people need. The Government calls it “integrated care”, but it really means cuts to NHS services and more profit for private companies. It is crucial that all MPs now show their real support for the NHS, and vote against this Bill. After each action, we hand-delivered a letter to each of the three MPs at their constituency office. Read this letter here.
Many thanks to all supporters of KONPNE and “We Own It” who took part in Blyth, Consett and Bishop Auckland, and to the many residents who asked questions, provided their views and showed their support.
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FIRST STOP – Blyth, Northumberland – when voting this time round, it is crucial that Ian Levy MP stands up for the NHS
SECOND STOP – Consett, North West Durham – Richard Holden MP needs to vote to STOP further NHS privatisation:
AND THE THIRD STOP – Bishop Auckland, County Durham – Dehenna Davison MP needs to vote against the Health and Care Bill to ensure NO MORE CASH FOR CRONIES.
NHS R.I.P ? Time is running short. A real-life horror story.
Information about the Bill and what you can do to help is on our website here
KONPNE has strong links with the national “We Own It” organisation. Information about “We Own It” is here
27th October 2021: No Borders in the NHS – Whitley Bay
This morning, KONPNE were proud to support the Newcastle group of “Patients Not Passports” in campaigning against the charging of asylum seekers and refugees for NHS services.
Pictured outside the iconic Whitley Bay Dome, Clare Bethell from the “Patients Not Passports” group said: “My work with asylum seekers with Care for Calais has shown me that migrants and asylum seekers in need of health care will not use the NHS for mental health issues, pregnancy or infectious diseases care because they know that they will be sent a bill for thousands of pounds. When they don’t pay, our hospital trusts send the debt collectors after them. When they try and register with GPs they are often asked for a myriad of documents to prove who they are and where they live, which they don’t have. They then become more unwell and need more care than they would have done. We must stop patient charging in the NHS and return to an NHS with no Borders.”
#patientsnotpassports #medact #nobordersinthenhs #refugeeswelcomehere #setherfree #migrantsorganise #careforcalais #NEAR
More information about the “Patients Not Passports” week of action is here and information about the Hostile Environment is on our webpage here
25th October 2021: No Borders in the NHS – RVI, Newcastle
Today, members of KONPNE joined together with Medact North East to support the “Patients not Passports” National Week of Action. Our action outside the RVI attracted considerable attention and support from patients, visitors and staff.
Our NHS was founded on the principle of universal healthcare, free at the point of use for everyone – regardless of background, nationality, or ability to pay. The government’s Hostile Environment means this is no longer the case. What we see as a result is people deterred from seeking the care they need, outright denied treatment on the basis of the documents they have, questioned about their entitlement to care because of how they look, the colour of their skin, or their so called ‘foreign sounding name’, and people being forced to choose between incurring huge debts, regularising their immigration status, or their good health.
We remember and honour all those whose lives have been destroyed by these racist Hostile Environment policies. October marks four years since the introduction of upfront charging for migrants in the NHS, and two years since the deaths of 39 Vietnamese migrants who were found in a lorry in Essex. We remember Nasar Ullah Khan, who died after being denied treatment for heart failure. We remember Elfreda Spencer, who died because she could not pay £30,000 upfront for chemotherapy. We remember Kelema Mulat, who died following a 6 week delay in breast cancer treatment. We remember Elvis, who died of coronavirus without help because he was too scared of being charged or deported if he came forward for treatment. We remember all whose lives have been made disposable at the hands of Britain’s hostile border controls—their bravery, their struggles to survive and their campaigns for a better world.
Today, in Newcastle, we joined forces with others across the country to make a very clear message: no borders in healthcare. The NHS must treat #PatientsNotPassports.
CLICK HERE
to read the report from the Chronicle
More information about the “Patients Not Passports” week of action is here and information about the Hostile Environment is on our webpage here
12th October 2021 *Save the Date* – NHS v Vampires Halloween Special: Saturday 30th October
We will be taking part in the ‘We Own It’ Day of Action to oppose the “Health & Care Bill” (or “NHS Corporate Takeover Bill”, as it is more accurately known).
Find out more about the ‘We Own It’ Day of Action here
On Saturday 30th October, campaigners are asked to take a selfie (wearing a Richard Branson mask or vampire teeth) at a local landmark, alongside a message about private health companies sucking the life out of the NHS, and then to post it on social media with tags to ourselves.
….. or, alternatively, members of KONP North East Steering Group will be briefly visiting Blyth (10.30am), Consett (12.30pm) and Bishop Auckland (2pm) – please join us for a group photo – more details plus addresses (for photos) are on our events page here.
Find out more about the Bill on our website here
Photo: KONPNE action last year: Blood-sucking private companies at Grey’s Monument, Newcastle October 2020
7th October 2021 – KONPNE into Autumn
Much discussed at tonights meeting, including further Campaign plans to fight against the provisions of the Health and Care Bill, and an update on Livi – the privatisation in North Tyneside Primary Care.
The notes from this meeting are here, and are open to all to read.
Our next meeting will take place on Thursday 4th November (always the first Thursday of the month) – details are here
3rd October 2021 – New briefing re Health and Care Bill
A brand new (October 2021) “Health Campaigns Together” briefing re the Health and Care Bill ishere– please feel free to circulate electronically, print off, or order copies from healthcampaignstogether@gmail.com – and circulate far and wide……
20th September 2021 – North East United
Great on-line public meeting this evening, hosted by North East Peoples Assembly, to build support for the 3rd October protest of the Tory Party Conference in Manchester. Speakers included Laura Pidcock, Daniel Kebede NEU President and Ben Chacko Editor of Morning Star and, additionally, KONPNE Co-ordinator Jude Letham spoke about the current situation regarding the NHS.
The Tories are back in Manchester for their annual conference at the beginning of October and, to coincide with this, there will be a national demonstration and march in Manchester on Sunday 3 Oct, which North East People’s Assembly will be joining, Members of KONPNE will also be present, to fly the KONPNE banner among the many thousands of people who are expected on the day. Book your ticket on the coach from Newcastle, organised by Peoples Assembly – £25 waged / £15 unwaged – clickhere
18th September 2021 – Gosforth campaigning against the Health and Care Bill
Thank you to East Gosforth Labour Party for inviting us to join them in campaigning against NHS privatisation and, in particular, the Health & Care Bill 2021. The branch had purchased leaflets from National KONP and set up their stall on Gosforth High Street.
Several members of the public were very keen to talk about the difficulties of getting face to face GP appointments – a situation which will undoubtedly be worse if the Health & Care Bill is passed.
Seethis pageof our KONPNE website for information about Integrated Care Systems, the Health & Care Bill and action you can take.
Please contact us at konpnortheast@gmail.com if you would like to arrange a similar event. KONPNE is not aligned to any political party, and we will do our best to support any organisation who believe in the need to return to a publicly-provided and publicly accountable NHS.
8th September 2021 – Protect the NHS – scrap the Health and Care Bill
– the national KONP online rally, part of the fight-back against Bill.
What a line up! Julie Hesmondhalgh, Actor, Michael Rosen, Writer, Dr Tony O’Sullivan (KONP), Jonathan Ashworth MP Shadow Secretary of State for Health, Alia Butt (NHS Staff Voices), Steve Cowan, Council Leader, Mark Ladbrooke, Chair Socialist Health Association, Cat Hobbs, Director of We Own It, Holly Turner (NHS Workers Say No), Dr Philippa Whitford MP (SNP), Dr David Wrigley (BMA), Dr Sonia Adesara (KONP), John Lister, Health Campaigns Together.
5th September 2021 – 5 MILLION PEOPLE WAITING: FUND OUR NHS
Crucial that we support the “We Own It” petition and campaign, launched this week.
Over 5 million patients in England alone are waiting for treatment right this second. The government has been underfunding our NHS for 10 years. And now, instead of investing in our NHS, it is propping up the private sector by paying them £10 billion (£200 million in shareholder profits) to run private hospitals using NHS staff to treat NHS waiting list patients. This is not a solution. NHS staff should be working in NHS hospitals.
We are calling for the government to commit to new funding for our NHS in its autumn budget update.
Sign the “We Own It” petition here, and please circulate the petition link to all contacts. More info on hospital waiting lists is on our webpage here.
4th September 2021 – Care and Support Workers
In Newcastle city centre this afternoon, and a big shout out to Care and Support Workers Organise and their national day of action for..
**£15 ph **renationalise care **full sick pay **better terms and conditions in the workplace …plus more
2nd September 2021 – Autumn campaigning
Our monthly meeting tonight (always scheduled for the first Thursday of the month at 7pm), and another interesting discussion and planning session for activity over the next few weeks…..also great to spend time in the company of like-minded people…. and great to see new faces – we are an open and inclusive group, and everyone is welcome.
Tonight, the focus was on the Health and Care Bill, with feedback following our events in August, and much planning for September and beyond. There is much happening. Notes of our discussions are here.
Our next meeting will be on Thursday 7th October at 7pm, and ALL ARE WELCOME. More info, including Zoom joining info is here.
29th August 2021 – Door-to-door in Whitley Bay
Great to have the support of Joan, Liz, Helen and Sophie who leafletted the leafy suburb of St.Marys, Whitley Bay, today. All four of you are stars, and you definitely deserve that cappuccino. Special mention to Liz Smith (pictured by the tree), a supporter of KONPNE and passionate about OUR NHS; Liz survived a congenital heart defect through receiving the second open-heart surgery in the UK carried out in 1956 and done, of course, through our wonderful NHS. Well done, Liz, and well done NHS ❤
More information about the Health and Care Bill is here, leaflets may be purchased (very cheaply) from the national KONP website here …and please let us know where you are leafletting: we are at konpnortheast@gmail.com THANK YOU ❤
28th August 2021 – Campaigning in Consett
The Health and Care Bill is currently going through Parliament and, if passed, it will UNDOUBTEDLY lead to >> MORE American-style privatisation of our health service across the country >> BIGGER roles in decision-making for private healthcare companies (an exec of Virgin has already taken a seat on the Bristol health board) >> MORE contracts to private businesses, without checks and balances >> DECREASED local democracy / decision-making (ie our local North East councillors will have reduced say in health planning).
More info – click here
IT IS CRUCIAL THAT YOUR MP REPRESENTS YOUR VIEWS IN PARLIAMENT. Good to be in Consett today, hearing the views of many residents – an overwhelming public vote for a publicly-funded and publicy-provided NHS. Hundreds of information leaflets circulated to local residents, many conversations, and around 50 letters signed and delivered to local Tory MP Richard Holden….we await his response….and demand that he supports our NHS in the parliamentary vote.
Pix – KONPNE delivering the Consett letters to the office of Richard Holden MP | Great to be joined by Andy Plant (Secretary, NW Durham Labour Party), pictured with Jude Letham (Co-ordinator. KONPNE)
24th August 2021 – video release
*** OPPOSE THE HEALTH AND CARE BILL 2021 *** This video follows on from our action in Newcastle city centre last week
Click on the video link to watch it, please share it on social media (click the arrow at top right), and click here for the associated webpage….. (music: “instinct” from Bensound.com)
14th August 2021 – Health and Care Bill at the Monument
Further to the recent leafletting sessions outside the RVI, the Freeman and North Tyneside General, last Saturday saw members of KONPNE at the Monument in Newcastle, with great support from our friends at Morpeth and Pegswood Branch Labour Party. Many interesting conversations, plus hundreds of leaflets distributed, plus around 50 letters to local MPs….. a very successful session.
More info is here: there was absolutely no doubt in Newcastle that this Bill must be stopped….
9th August 2021 – This week – North Tyneside General Hospital
Another leafletting session for KONPNE, this time at North Tyneside General Hospital ….and great to have support from members of North Tyneside Momentum.
It is crucial that as many people as possible know about the Health and Care Bill which is currently passing through Parliament …. and do something about it. Please click on our bespoke webpage here to find out how you can help….
5th August 2021 – KONPNE speaks
Much to discuss at tonights monthly meeting – including updates about activity in South Tyneside and Sunderland, Morpeth, North Tyneside, Blyth and Newcastle, plus the latest on the “NHS Data Grab” and the “Health and Care Bill” (plus Integrated Care Systems…)
The notes from the meeting are here.
Wherever you live, you are welcome to join in with the discussions and campaign planning at our next meeting – or to sit back and listen… whatever suits you best. The important thing is that you are there.
KONPNE meets monthly via Zoom on the first Thursday of the month at 7pm – our next meeting is on Thursday 2nd September: ALL WELCOME. More info and the Zoom joining code is here
29th July 2021 – Health and Care Bill must be opposed
Today: leafletting outside the Freeman Hospital, Newcastle-upon-Tyne. There is absolutely no doubt that the Governments “Health and Care Bill 2021”, and its inherent “Integrated Care System” will hurt staff and patients throughout the country, if Parliament votes it in after the summer recess. The staff at the Freeman do a brilliant job, and it is crucial that they know about the bill – plus patients and visitors.
This Bill must be opposed. More info about the Bill, the Campaign, and what you can do is here.
28th July 2021 – Much support in Benton, Newcastle-upon-Tyne
Great to be invited by Benton Branch Labour Party to address and lead a discussion on “Integrated Care Systems” and the current “Health and Care Bill”. Much interest and support, many questions, and a thoughtful discussion about ways forward and campaign involvement at tonights Branch meeting via Zoom.
Whilst KONPNE members are, individually, members of a range of political groups or none, KONPNE as an organisation is not affiliated to any one specific political group. We are happy to present a talk or lead a discussion with any group who wish to find out more and join in the Campaign. More info is here – please do not hesitate to contact us at konpnortheast@gmail.com
22nd July 2021 – Sunny day, dark news
Outside the RVI gates for a busy two hours this lunchtime – and time very well spent, providing leaflets and information about the “Health and Care Bill 2021” to the many NHS staff, visitors and day patients.
If this Bill is voted in by Parliament, it will UNDOUBTEDLY lead to >> MORE American-style privatisation of our health service across the country >> BIGGER roles in decision-making for private healthcare companies (an exec of Virgin has already taken a seat on the Bristol health board) >> MORE contracts to private businesses, without checks and balances >> DECREASED local democracy / decision-making (ie our local North East councillors will have reduced say in health planning)
More info regarding the Health and Care Bill (including the leaflet handed out today) is here
Many thanks to all who helped today. It was a hot one!
COME AND JOIN US IN HANDING OUT LEAFLETS – this government is hellbent on involving the private sector in our health service further AND IT NEEDS TO BE STOPPED NOW. Next week, we will be outside the gates at the Freeman Hospital on Thursday 29th July 2021, 12 noon – 2pm…. Can you spare a couple of hours? Your assistance would be very much appreciated, so….see you there? Thank you
17th July 2021 – North East v private healthcare companies
Forming part of the national Day of Action called by the campaign group “We Own It”, members of “KONP North East” and “KONP Sunderland” met in a very hot and sunny Newcastle city centre, rolled up their sleeves, and demonstrated how the government’s new NHS legislation (The Health and Care Bill 2021) is a tug of war between private companies and our NHS in England. The usual suspects were represented – Centene, Virgin, Serco – plus the local newcomer, Livi, which is a private healthcare company offering virtual appointments in GP practices in North Tyneside….for info, Livi claims to be Europe’s largest digital healthcare provider….currently with a one-year contract in North Tyneside primary care…. This must be stopped.
Johnson was also at the Monument, attempting to appease NHS staff with a miserly 1%, and even HRH couldn’t help with the George medal; the medal was appreciated – but it doesn’t pay the bills…..
And our message was, obviously, well-received in the North East today. Huge thanks to people in Newcastle who jumped at the opportunity to join in and clearly knew which tug of war team to join. It is crucial that we continue to join forces to bring an end to the lucrative contracts to healthcare companies which, of course, involves a cut of the cash going to the pockets of shareholders. And, it is also crucial that the professionals who work in our NHS receive a fair wage – the 1% offer is, in short, an insult.
Some street theatre, but with a very serious message. Back in Parliament, the government is pushing ahead with its Health and Care Bill. The NHS needs us more than ever: this legislation includes so many dangerous changes….like letting PRIVATE COMPANIES sit on NHS boards, where they’ll have a say on people’s care and how NHS money is spent ?!?! Unbelievable – but true.
The NHS has just turned 73 – and if you want it to be with us for another 73 years, then this Bill must be amended. Write to your MP now, sign the petitions, download and share the leaflets: all at https://konpnortheast.com/ics/
10th July 2021 – Morpeth stands up for the NHS
Fantastic action planned and carried out by members of Morpeth and Pegswood Branch Labour Party (many of whom are also members of KONPNE), marking the NHS @73 and also spreading the word about the huge dangers associated with the Health and Care Bill 2021 currently passing (rapidly) through Parliament.
Many conversations along the high street, huge public support, hundreds of information leaflets circulated, very clear messaging, and a NHS birthday card to be signed – watch out for this displayed in a Morpeth shop window next week. A superb event.
Tom Cosh, Branch Secretary: “Morpeth and Pegswood Branch Labour Party is proud to support the Campaign to stop the privatisation of the NHS. We are working to ensure that Northumberland has a voice – all supporters of the NHS need to join together to fight for it to continue”
Paul Thompson, event co-ordinator: “It is encouraging to see how many more people are now better informed about the privatisation within the NHS and of the threat from US companies, compared to three years ago. This privatisation must be stopped”
Jude Letham, KONPNE Co-ordinator: “The Health and Care Bill 2021, currently going through Parliament, will lead to more cuts to our services, further privatisation and decreased local democracy. It is CRUCIAL that this Bill is amended to protect the NHS and we call upon everyone to write to their MP. We need to ensure that the NHS is with us for another 73 years”
It is great that a local political party organised this event, and we were very pleased to represent KONPNE through two members of our Steering Group joining in on the day, and also by contributing the information leaflets – it was great to be with you in Morpeth.
Whilst KONPNE members may be individual members of any political party (or none), KONPNE as a group is not associated or affiliated with any one political party. Now in our eleventh year of campaigning, we are a group of North East people who strongly believe that the NHS should remain a fully funded public service, and not become privatised, and we campaign to uphold these values, both locally and nationally. Everyone is welcome to our monthly Zoom, and to join in with the Campaign.
IT’S OUR NHS – publicly funded, publicly provided and publicly accountable, available to all on the basis of need.
Info about the Health and Care Bill is here
3rd July 2021 – Thank you Blyth!!
NHS birthday celebrated in style with music from Blyth Valley Samba Band and speakers from NHS Staff Voices, Peoples Assembly North East, Keep Our NHS Public North East, and the Labour Party – including three health professionals. Wonderful messages of support for OUR NHS provided on the mega 73rd birthday card from Blyth residents and, also, well over 100 letters to Blyth Valley MP Ian Levy.
Mr Levy has made much of his past employment in the NHS, and it is now important that he stands by his words (unfortunately, his track record over the first year has been appalling – he is one of the Tory MPs who, in January this year, voted AGAINST protecting the NHS in international trade deals: see here). So – important letters written today and delivered to his constituency office – we await responses.
A new Bill, the “Health and Care Bill” will be presented to Parliament in the next few weeks, again with even more danger of increased privatisation, decreased local democracy and further NHS cuts – this time round, we expect our MP to safeguard the NHS. More info about this Bill is here
This event in Blyth was hosted by “Keep Our NHS Public North East”, “Peoples Assembly North East”, “Socialist Health Association North East”, and was part of the national Day of Action called by national KONP and Health Campaigns Together. Well done to everyone across the country who planned, facilitated and took part in it. MUCH strength in our unity.
Many thanks to our speakers: Stacey Richardson from NHS Staff Voices, Councillor Les Bowman from the Labour Party, Tony Dowling from the People’s Assembly North East, Dr Helen Groom a retired GP and John Whalley from KONP North East.
We are also grateful to Blyth Valley Samba for performing in the Market Square and accompanying us on the march.
Coverage of the national Day of Action is here
1st July 2021 – Much happening in the North East
A very lively Zoom tonight, with discussions and planning for the Blyth NHS Rally and March on Saturday, and updates on the Livi campaigning in North Tyneside, the Health and Care Bill / Integrated Care Systems, the NHS Data Grab, and news from Save South Tyneside Hospital Campaign and the campaign initiatives in Morpeth.
There is much happening in the North East. Whose NHS? DEFINITELY OUR NHS.
The notes from this meeting are here.
Our next meeting will take place on Thursday 5th August 2021 (it is always the first Thursday of the month) – ALL ARE WELCOME and more details are here
29th June 2021 – Press release for Saturday
+ more info is here, and also on the facebook event at https://www.facebook.com/events/4273531895992159
See you in Blyth….
28th June 2021 – Bad news for patients….
….and staff
Please circulate two new leaflets from national KONP…. more information is here
17th June 2021 – KONPNE youtube video released…please share
Click here: https://youtu.be/dTI4ZKmbRew
and also at
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NHSPublicNorthEast/videos/594353961535054/
twitter: https://twitter.com/KONPNorthEast/status/1405831595647451137
Please share…..
16th June 2021 – 632 people say NO
Earlier today, a delegation from KONPNE delivered our petition to North Tyneside Clinical Commissioning Group. A massive 632 people say NO CONTRACT RENEWAL for Livi – the private healthcare business with shareholders, currently offering online appointments in North Tyneside Primary Care. This insidious privatisation is part of the slippery privatisation slope and is NOT WELCOME in North Tyneside.
BTW, of the 632 people who signed the petition, a huge 418 people live within the Borough; the remaining 214 live outside North Tyneside and are no doubt fearful of the domino effect – yes, we know what has happened in localities in the south….
Not signed? The CCG will be making a decision about whether or not to renew the contract in the next month or so – we are holding our online petition open, and will send on all additional signatures.
Petition: click here
More info re Livi in NT: click here
3rd June 2021 – KONPNE meeting
Another very full and active meeting – much happening in the North East!
Click herefor notes of this meeting
….and click here for details of our next meeting, scheduled for 1st July 2021
26th May 2021 – Advance Notice for 3rd July: BLYTH MARCH AND RALLY Our NHS – We’re Still Fighting For It
Keep the date free!! Saturday 3rd July 2021 – NHS 73rd Birthday
…. and see you in Blyth!! There is much happening re this event – full details later!! Great to be Campaigning with North East Peoples Assembly and Socialist Health Association NE
Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/4273531895992159
19th May 2021 – Cullercoats presentation
Much support and interest from Cullercoats Branch Labour Party this evening – our presentation on the “Integrated Care System” (aka “Accountable Care Organisation”) brought about much discussion. It is clear that the course is clearly set for decreased local democracy and increased privatisation – unless action is taken now. “Integrated and Caring”? – definitely NOT. The Government will be introducing a Bill this year, and we need your help in ensuring that our voices are heard loud and clear. Good to meet up (virtually) with local Labour Party members, including local North Tyneside Councillors – the NHS is counting on your support at the North Tyneside Health and Wellbeing Board meetings, and Health Scrutiny meetings. Click here for more info.
Information also provided regarding the presence of the dreaded “Livi” in North Tyneside – click here
Our presentations are available to all Unions, political groups, social groups, community organisations…. basically all and everyone who wishes to find out more and offer support. Click here for more info, and please get in touch with us at konpnortheast@gmail.com
15th May 2021 – that deja vu feeling
An action replay of last week – back again today to outside the market at Tynemouth Station and then to Bedford Street, North Shields for more conversations with members of the public about Livi (see here) and petition signing (sign here). We have listened carefully to the residents of North Tyneside, and it is crystal clear that LIVI is not wanted in NT. In summary: HEALTHCARE, NOT SHAREHOLDERS.
Great to be joined today by members of the Socialist Health Association (morning) and Unite (afternoon)
More info, including our petition, is here
8th May 2021 – NO TO LIVI…every 45 seconds
North Tyneside Primary Care is undoubtedly sliding down the slippery privatisation slope. Last year, North Tyneside Clinical Commissioning Group gave the Swedish company “Livi” a one year contract to carry out virtual appointments in Primary Care in North Tyneside – “Livi” claims to be Europes largest digital healthcare provider. This must cease. Investment should, instead, be made to develop our existing GP services, including employing additional staff for these local services – indeed, the pandemic has led to many practices developing their own in-house video call and telephone work anyway.
Today, we took our petition against this private healthcare business to the residents of Tynemouth and North Shields, and our anti-privatisation Campaign hit an all-time high with an average of one signature every 45 seconds. A very clear message indeed to North Tyneside Clinical Commissioning Group; NO TO BIG BUSINESS IN PRIMARY CARE, NO TO SHAREHOLDERS IN PRIMARY CARE, NO FURTHER CONTRACT RENEWAL FOR “LIVI”.
The one year contract to Livi expires over the next three months, and it is crucial that this is not renewed by North Tyneside CCG. If you object to taxpayers money going to private profit-making companies with shareholders, then please
CLICK HERE
to sign the petition. It will take you less than 30 seconds. This petition is open to everyone; you don’t need to be a resident of North Tyneside.
You can help further. More information and other actions regarding “Livi” are outlined on the Campaign page here.
5th May 2021 – Three more people needed for the next two Saturdays
Please let us know on konpnortheast@gmail.com if you are available to help on one or more of the sessions – thank you
3rd May 2021 – North Tyneside anti-privatisation campaign gathers force
Much interest in this Campaign to date – it is APPALLING that North Tyneside CCG has seen fit to award a one-year pilot contract to Swedish firm “Livi” to provide virtual consultations in Primary Care in North Tyneside. Undoubtedly part of a very slippery privatisation slope: Livi claims to be Europe’s largest digital healthcare provider.
Click here for three Campaign actions to carry out now. These are for NT residents…..AND ALSO for people who live in other parts of the NE – remember that what is happening in NT now could well be on its way to your locality in 3 months time….
1st May 2021 – Statement of support from KONPNE
Keep Our NHS Public North East send our very best wishes for a successful day of action this May Day. In our ambition for a return to a universal, publicly—funded, publicly-provided, national health service free at the point of use: we find that we have more and more reasons to protest.
Last year we had several protests about the money being poured into the disastrous SERCO “Test and Trace”, the inclusion of the NHS in the Trade Bill and migrant charging in the NHS. This year we have actions planned protesting about private on-line GP services in North Tyneside and the embedding of private companies in the new Integrated Care Systems.
As the mainstream media continues to fail the public by not informing them of continuing, creeping privatisation of the NHS, it is absolutely essential that we have the freedom to take to the streets to inform the public ourselves. In the words of the KONP NHS Staff Voices group:
“It appears that our Government is now not just intent on dismantling our NHS, but through this bill they are attempting to break our capacity to act to protect it”
Solidarity and thanks to everyone participating today.
Jude Letham Co-ordinator KONPNE
More info: click the “Police and Crime Bill” page here
30th April 2021 – Open letter – We must retain the right to protest
This open letter is co-signed by KONPNE. The “Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill” must be defeated, as it is an attack on our rights. The Government is intent on dismantling our NHS and, through this Bill, they are now attempting to break our capacity to protect it.
More info: click the “Police and Crime Bill” pagehere
29th April 2021 – KONPNE speaks
Great to meet up with supporters at our monthly meeting tonight – much health campaigning is happening across the North East, and it is good to share information, learn from each other, and support each other.
Notes from the meeting are linkedhere.
Meetings take place on the first Thursday of the month, and our next meeting is scheduled for Thursday 3rd June – YOU ARE INVITED!!! Click here for information
20th April 2021 – NO to private healthcare companies in North Tyneside Primary Care
North Tyneside Clinical Commissioning Group is sliding further down the slippery privatisation slope by using public money to provide private health care services to the public – and what is happening in North Tyneside today may well be happening in other NE localities tomorrow. THIS INSIDIOUS PRIVATISATION OF OUR NHS MUST END.
Click HERE for more information and for three actions you can take NOW – for North Tyneside residents, and also for those who live outside North Tyneside.
Who’s NHS? OUR NHS. North Tyneside CCG should not be wasting taxpayers money by contracting out to private, profit making companies with shareholders.
17th April 2021 – The Police and Crime Bill must be stopped
The Government is now not just intent on dismantling our NHS but, through the Police Bill, they are attempting to break our capacity to protect it.
It was important for KONPNE members to be at the Monument in Newcastle upon Tyne today – the “Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill 2021” must be stopped….if passed, it will have a hugely detrimental effect on freedom of speech, democracy and civil liberties
For more info, please see our webpage here
1st April 2021 – DON’T BE FOOLED – THE GOVERNMENT ARE SELLING OFF THE NHS
Focus on NHS privatisation at tonights monthly KONPNE meeting – especially the Campaign plans regarding “Livi”, the virtual GP consultation firm recently commissioned by North Tyneside CCG. The Livi contract must not be renewed this year.
See the notes from the meeting here.
Our next meeting will take place on Thursday 29th April – more info here and, as always, everyone is welcome
24th March 2021 – KONPNE at Durham County Council
Last autumn, members of KONPNE decided to put a formal question to each of the seven North East councils at their full Council meetings. Our question focused on the ongoing privatisation of the NHS, and asked local Councils throughout the North East to identify what steps they are taking to prevent this activity.
Many thanks to Dr Lawrence Welch, KONPNE member and Durham resident, for putting our question to Durham County Council at the full Council meeting this morning. It was a requirement of the Council proceedings that our question here was shortened. The Council response from Cllr Lucy Hovvels is here.
Whilst we feel that the reply from the Council is disappointingly short and lacking in specific detail, we note that a key part of this brief statement is the last sentence, where Cllr Hovvels (Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Adult and Health Services) confirms the need “to keep as much decision making as possible at a local place level so that we can promote the founding values of the NHS in any future commissioning”.
It is encouraging to hear this, and we totally support Durham Councillors in carrying this out in practice. We will certainly be returning to this in the future….
And, in addition to considering activity at a local level, we also we expect our Councillors to challenge developments at the macro-level regarding the White Paper proposals concerning the Integrated Care System. More information is here.
Todays activity at Durham marked the seventh (and final) question put to the seven North East councils. How does your Council measure up?? Check out our questions plus the responses from the seven councils here
16th March 2021 – Morpeth and Pegswood Labour support NHS
This Spring, the Government’s White Paper “Integration and Innovation” proposes legislation which would confirm “Integrated Care Systems” as “new NHS bodies”. Proposals involve dividing up the NHS into approx. 42 pots of money with limited “population health budgets” designed to find more ‘efficiency savings’ (aka CUTS).
“Integrated and Caring”? Definitely not. More like “Underfunded, undemocratic, unfair, unsafe”.
“Our concerns, based on hard facts, are widely shared by councillors, senior NHS management, GPs and seasoned analysts. NHS England’s proposed changes threaten to make the NHS less locally responsive, less accountable, more dominated by US and other management consultants and contractors, and more focused on policing cash limits than meeting the needs of patients. NHS England’s priorities should be on strengthening the NHS in alliance with local government and communities, not creating new remote bodies or adopting systems meant to maximise profits of private health insurance”National KONP, January 2021
And, so, much respect to the active and forward-thinking Morpeth and Pegswood Branch Labour Party. “Oppose Integrated Care Systems in the English NHS”, a motion outlined by the national office of Keep Our NHS Public, was debated and was unanimously passed by the Branch at their most recent meeting in mid-March. This motion opposes the content of the White Paper and makes it clear that, instead, what is needed is legislation to bring about a universal, comprehensive and publicly provided NHS, fit for the 21st century…
It is great that this motion is supported by Morpeth and Pegswood Branch Labour Party and by many other Branches and CLPs – and, indeed, by other political parties, Unions and organisations throughout England.
Not yet passed by your group? Please click here for the model motion and for much more information about the White Paper and the proposed legislation. THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION MUST BE STOPPED.
14th March 2021 – with Tynedale Transformed
KONPNE were very pleased to be invited by Tynedale Transformed to be part of a Zoom day event about the future of the NHS. Jude Letham presented part of the KONPNE PowerPoint presentation on NHS Privatisation and also informed the group about Integrated Care Systems. The participants were particularly keen to learn how they could be involved in campaigning and accessing further resources.
Info: https://www.tynedaletransformed.org/
4th March 2021 – KONPNE speaks
Great to meet up with fellow North East health Campaigners at our monthly meeting this evening. Much discussed, including updates from NE campaigns, recent presentations to groups (here), formal questions to Full Council meetings (here) , Livi privatisation in NorthTyneside (here), the Integrated Care System (here), local Council elections, website and social media, and the possibility (Covid19 allowing…) of a public NHS birthday event in July…
A date for the diary is Thursday 1st April at 7pm – our next KONPNE meeting (here) – but please keep in touch beforehand by checking out this website and our daily facebook and twitter posts – there is much Campaign activity, and your assistance is urgently needed….
Notes from the meeting are here: 4.3.21 – KONPNE notes of meeting
3rd March 2021 – Linking with Newcastle University students
Many thanks to Sam for inviting KONPNE to address the “Students for Global Health” group (formerly known as “medsin“) at Newcastle University. Utilising our powerpoint, we overviewed the many faces of privatisation in the NHS, touched on the current Trade Bill and Integrated Care Systems (aka “Accountable Care Organisations”), and described our Campaign work and strategies. Much interest all round – and it is great that some students have recently attended our monthly KONPNE meetings. We hope to build on this, and forge even stronger links in the coming months.
Please contact us at konpnortheast@gmail.com if you are a member of a group who would welcome a presentation or discussion about NHS privatisation – we will do our very best to assist. Please click here for further info.
25th February 2021 – at South Tyneside Council
Many thanks to Maddy Nettleship (“Save South Tyneside Hospital Campaign” and “KONPNE”), who put a question about NHS privatisation to South Tyneside Councillors at the Full Council Meeting on 25th February 2021.
The question was provided in full in the Councils document pack for the meeting, and was read out in full by the Chair; a copy of the question ishere, and the meeting can be viewed online here(go to 1:20). In South Tyneside, the protocol is not to respond to public questions at the meeting and, instead, for the Council to provide a written response within seven days, and for the question and response to be recorded in the Council minutes.
We look forward to this response and will provide a copy of it on this site here…..and many thanks Maddy for taking this forward.
On a related note, at the beginning of the Council meeting, Councillors need to formally record any declarations of interest in any of the agenda items, and it is encouraging to note that nine members of South Tyneside Council recorded their interest / support of the “Save South Tyneside Hospital Campaign”. Their ongoing support is much appreciated and is noted by South Tyneside constituents.
KONPNE members have now put formal questions about NHS privatisation to six of the seven North East Councils – we are focusing on the seventh, Durham, next month….click here for reports
11th February 2021 – Livid in North Tyneside
It is positive indeed that NORTH TYNESIDE COUNCILLORS sitting on the “Adult Social Care, Health and Wellbeing Sub Committee” are standing up for our NHS.
Item 6 on tonights agenda was feedback on “Livi” – the Swedish healthcare business which NT “Clinical Commissioning Group” had recently (Summer 2020) seen fit to appoint for a one year trial period of virtual appointments in GP practices across North Tyneside.
Councillors Joe Kirwin and Paul Richardson have attended the “Livi Evaluation Group” on behalf of the Councils Sub Committee, and they highlighted many fundamental concerns; a recent survey on client satisfaction had feedback from a mere 56 people AND the feedback was collated by Livi; in the week previous to a review meeting in January 2021, only 174 appointments had been provided by Livi (a miniscule number compared to the very approx estimate of 26,400 provided per week by practice GPs in NT); a concern that some practices are referring on to Livi (backroom work being done by practices, but with no credit); adverts are appearing across NT, incl at vaccination sites, plus Livi promotional freebies such as facemasks and hand sanitiser in some NT practices, plus – would you believe it – two vans circulating NT advertising Livi, on road routes agreed with the CCG.
Councillor Matthew Thirlaway questioned “everything about the pilot” and stated that “there are serious questions that Livi and the CCG need to answer”, Councillor Cath Davis highlighted the potential loss of 1-1 relationships with local doctors, and the fact that technology may prove to be a barrier for some people, Councillor Trish Brady highlighted that this NHS privatisation is happening in the context of other huge NHS privatisations (Serco and Capita, to name just two), and Councillor Karen Clark (Chair) spoke of the lack of evaluation criteria and the ongoing frustrations in the way elected members are not consulted by the CCG – describing the latter as being “not acceptable”.
And the financial cost??? Totally undisclosed…. apparently, it is “commercially sensitive”…. has much resonance with the Governments quick-fix commercial arrangements with the private sector throughout Covid19. Let us not forget: THIS IS PUBLIC MONEY.
Councillor Richardson will be attending the next “Livi Evaluation Group” with the CCG (9th March 2021) and the next meeting of the Councils Sub-Committee is scheduled for 31st March 2021.
We agree with these very grave concerns expressed by North Tyneside Councillors.
The “Livi” contract MUST NOT BE RENEWED IN 2021: there is no place for this privatisation in the NHS – this money should be invested in further developing primary care provision in localised Primary Care Networks and practices throughout the Borough.
Due to Covid19, NT GP practices have needed to fine tune and develop their own in-house telephonic and virtual consultations, and they have responded to the challenge…. so why the need for this external privatised service and (presumably) the huge expense….
Watch last weeks Council Sub Committee discussion here from 1.03 (click on the youtube link)
Much more info about “Livi” in North Tyneside is on our “Privatisation in Primary Care” page here
5th February 2021 – Congratulations to Prof Allyson Pollock
It is great news that Newcastle University Professor Allyson Pollock has been awarded the British Medical Journal award “speaking truth to power”. Allyson is a founding member of national KONP and is known internationally for her tireless work against the privatisation of the NHS. Many, many congratulations – and very well deserved.
“In the 1980s NHS there wasn’t today’s climate of fear around speaking out”—Allyson Pollock. Click here to read the BMJ interview with Prof Pollock.
4th February 2021 – Busy KONPNE meeting
It was great to meet up with 26 people at our Zoom KONPNE meeting this evening. Notes and links from our meeting will be posted here shortly – our discussion and planning included NHS charges to migrants, issues around the vaccination roll-out, formal questions to local councils re health privatisation, forthcoming elections, “Livi” privatisation in primary care in North Tyneside, ICSs, conferences and meetings, plus updates from Save South Tyneside Hospital Campaign and KONP Sunderland and District. A busy meeting.
The Notes of this meeting are here.
Our next meeting will take place on Thursday 4th March 2021 via Zoom. Please clickhere for further details – ALL WELCOME!
27th January 2021 – “2020 Vision”: the KONPNE year
We are pleased that our short video “2020 Vision – the KONPNE year in pix” has been posted on our social media and youtube (and here) this evening. Check this out for an overview of our NHS Campaign activity – all shoehorned into a quality two minutes…its been a busy year …
…and the Campaign continues.
The next KONPNE MEETING is on Thursday 4th February 2021 @ 7pm via ZOOM and all are welcome – more information is here
19th January 2021 – Tory MPs vote against protecting NHS in Trade Bill
The House of Lords put forward Amendments to the Trade Bill – if passed, these Amendments would have provided some protection to our NHS. Click here for an overview of the Amendments, and the Amendments in detail are here
The Bill and Amendments returned to the Commons on Tuesday 19th January; Tory MPs voted against the amendment to protect the NHS from trade deals by 357 to 266 (The NHS Amendment), and they voted against giving themselves a say over trade deals in the future by 353 to 277 (The Scrutiny Amendment).
The six North East MPs who voted AGAINST the amendments to protect the NHS and increase Scrutiny are:
SHAMEFUL: Ian Levy MP (Blyth), Dehenna Davison MP (Bishop Auckland), Paul Howell MP (Sedgefield), Richard Holden MP (NW Durham), Guy Opperman MP (Hexham) and Anne-Marie Trevelyan MP (Berwick)
It’s an absolute scandal that while our hospitals are working hard to protect us all, this government and these six North East MPs refused to protect our NHS from trade deals.
Click here to see report and full list of MPs who voted the Amendments down at
Tories vote down protections for NHS in trade deals on deadliest day in pandemic (The London Economic, January 19th 2021)
Tory MPs reject amendment to protect NHS from international trade deals(The National, January 19th 2021)
Tory MPs vote down legal bid to ‘protect the NHS’ in post-Brexit trade deals (The Mirror, January 19th 2021)
Zara Sultana MP made an excellent speech in support of the Amendments – hear this speech on videohere
***Read this article from KONPNE member Dr Sarah Walpole, published in The Independent (21st January 2021):I’m a junior doctor, it’s clear to me the Conservatives just voted to end the NHS
We are grateful to all KONPNE supporters for taking action, in many different ways, over 2020 – placing posters in key locations across the North East (June and November), at the event at the Millenium Bridge (July), at the Monument (October), making videos, developing posts, sharing and retweeting, writing articles, writing to papers, writing to members of the Lords, emailing MPs, sending Christmas Cards to MPs, signing petitions, attending meetings, sitting on planning groups, getting friends and family involved and remaining strong throughout. You are wonderful. In our local KONPNE Campaign, we have worked very closely with“We Own It”, national“Keep Our NHS Public” (Trade subgroup) and the“Trade Justice Movement”, and we are grateful for their guidance, advice, support and solidarity.
This is not the end. Keep Our NHS Public continues, and we will continue to fight and stand up for our NHS until it returns to be, once again, publicly accountable and publicly provided.
16th January 2021 – Message from KONPNE Co-ordinator
Time is now running short. There is currently no protection for the NHS in the current Trade Bill, plus minimal scrutiny of new trade deals. The Bill will be debated and voted on in the Commons next week, so it is our last opportunity to email MPs this weekend….
and then please share it by clicking on facebook here, twitter here and youtube here
More KONPNE info / action re the Trade Bill is here
13th January 2021 – KONPNE message for Ian Levy MP (Blyth Valley)
is now live on our facebook, twitter, youtube and here:
Please share!!
The Bill returns to the Commons in early 2021, and it is crucial that ALL North East MPs now do the right thing.
More info about the Trade Bill, plus links to all of the short videos are here – please share and retweet.
(music:https://www.bensound.com track: “Creative Minds”)
7th January 2021 – KONPNE Zoom meeting
Our first meeting of the year, and the agenda included feedback on a number of current North East health campaigns including privatisation questions to Councils, Livi, Trade Bill, NHS charges to migrants, thank you banners, plus updates from both Save South Tyneside Hospital Campaign and KONP Sunderland and District. Much good work is being done.
Notes from the meeting are here.
Our next meeting will take place on Thursday 4th February 2021 at 7pm via Zoom – all welcome; our meetings are open to everyone. Meetings will take place on the first Thursday of the month throughout 2021.
7th January 2021 – Socialist Health Association updated on North Tyneside “Livi” privatisation
Dr Gerard Reissmann, Newcastle GP and KONPNE member, was a speaker at the Socialist Health Association AGM this evening. To a Zoom audience of over 30, Dr Reissmann spoke about the private GP video consultation service commissioned by the North Tyneside CCG which is taking money away from frontline GPs and, if expanded widely, could threaten General Practice. SHA members were keen to know more about the issue and will raise it in various places including the Labour Party and through the NT Council.
6th January 2021 – KONPNE question to Newcastle City Council
Many thanks to KONPNE member David MacAllister for representing KONPNE and putting our question about NHS privatisation to the full Council meeting this evening.
Our question, submitted in advance, is here
Councillor Karen Kilgour, Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care responded on behalf of the Council, stating that the Councils Labour administration is “fundamentally opposed to the privatisation of the NHS” and the chumocracy evidenced by the Governments award of health care contracts to the private sector. Cllr Kilgour went on to speak of the “Collaborative Newcastle”, a joint initiative between four health and social care organisations in the city, launched in September 2020, and describing it as a “unique opportunity”. She concluded by confirming that the Council “opposes privatisation wherever possible”.
Surprisingly, our supplementary question here was not responded to by Cllr Kilgour.
We welcome Cllr Kilgour’s commitment to our NHS, and we will be pleased to study the transcript of Cllr Kilgours response in some detail when this is available. We will certainly be getting back to the Council regarding a full response to our supplementary question; Councillors are involved in decision-making regarding health provision in the city, and it is crucial that Councillors have ongoing up-to-date information about outsourcing patterns and trends – it is crucial that they see the full picture.
3rd January 2021 – new Trade Bill video “Sell-off in Blyth”
KONPNE have put together a number of short 2-minute videos over the last few weeks, mostly focusing on the Trade Bill and the need for ALL local MPs to vote for amendments which protect the NHS. It is alarming that six North East MPs voted AGAINST protecting the NHS in the trade bill vote in the Commons in July 2020.
The Bill returns to the Commons in early 2021, and it is crucial that ALL North East MPs now do the right thing.
More info about the Trade Bill, plus links to all of the short videos are here – please share and retweet.
….and click on the video link below to see Sell-off in Blyth. We trust that Ian Levy MP is taking note – we will certainly be noting his voting patterns….and, as we say, it is not too late for him to do the right thing.
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