Blog
Love Newcastle, Hate Racism
Today, the North East showed racism the red card
Saturday 27th September 2025 and good to meet up with many KONPNE supporters at the Anti Racism Rally / counter protest in Newcastle this afternoon. Apparently, Tommy Robinson, prominent far right wing racist was in town for a conference / protest march – but they very soon found that they, the far right, were not welcome in the North East. In short, the far right were massively, totally outnumbered. The counter-protest from the people of the North East was IMMENSE. We made it clear that there is no place for racists on the streets of Newcastle.
When immigration is considered in the cold light of day, the reality is that the UK would be unable to function as a society if it weren’t for people from other countries. Every aspect of public life would be significantly damaged were it not for those who have moved from abroad to live and work in the UK. Major cultural, educational, political and civic institutions would cease to function, especially the NHS and care system. We must dispel the myth that immigration harms society, and particularly the NHS. Austerity and cuts are to blame for the NHS crisis, not migrants.
FACT CHECK: The NHS and social care would collapse without overseas workers. Around 35% of doctors are from abroad and 27% of nurses and health advisors. See this data from The House of Commons Briefing paper, 20th November 2023 – click here
Huge thanks to Newcastle Unites, Stand Up To Racism North East and other groups and individuals for organising todays very successful counter protest. You did a superb job. Respect from all at KONPNE.
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HUGE thanks to all
Sunday 21st September 2025 on the North Tyneside 10K
Before – team talk and stretches sorted! Now the hard work.
All done and dusted, all finished in one piece and twelve ankles untwisted. Amazingly, the sun was beaming for the North Tyneside 10K road race this morning.
Many thanks for all support – you smashed through the sponsorship target with total donations at £1,215 which, in itself, shows the huge depth of support for our NHS. Half of the money raised goes to the KONPNE campaign funds, and half to the national KONP campaign. This is very much appreciated and we sincerely thank all supporters – this will significantly help our campaigning over the next year.
And, of course, HUGE THANKS also to the elite (?) team of six athletes (?) / KONP supporters who seemed to just glide along that 10K route…. we catch up with them after the race….
Helen: “We’re running to raise funds for Keep Our NHS Public. Nye Bevan said that the NHS will exist only as long as people fight for it – and fight for it we must”
Lucy: “OUR NHS = healthcare for all, from cradle to grave. We must not allow this AMAZING organisation to slip between our fingers. Once its gone, its gone. Keep our NHS public now and for future generations”
Rob: “I’m here today because it is NO WAY acceptable to see patients being treated in hospital corridors. We need to fight for more investment in the NHS”
Adam: “The NHS is sick – and I don’t want to see it die”
Lucy: “It’s easy to take for granted the sense of security we get from knowing the NHS is there if we need it. I ran today to say THANKYOU”
John: “I see the NHS moving towards a privatised system. The next step will be health insurance, a two-tier system, and increased inequality in health. We all have an opportunity now to return our NHS to the world-class healthcare it was – accessible to all, publicly-provided and publicly-funded”
After…voltarol all round
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Privatisation hiding in plain sight
Concerned about the increasing privatisation of NHS eye care, a KONPNE supporter in Blaydon has recently been in touch with her MP – and received a startling response.
Liz Twist MP (Blaydon and Consett) confirmed in an email on the 2nd June 2025 that she is “pleased that the Government’s Elective Recovery Plan is already making a difference. Since July, eye care waiting lists have gone down by 24,000 and 2 million more NHS appointments have been given across different specialties. This is welcome news to everyone who has put their lives on hold whilst waiting for treatment”
Ahh – yes – of course. But there is more to this than meets the eye.
Like – where is the money going…?
KONPNE notes that, not one month previously, research published by the Centre for Health and the Public Interest found that the five main private companies providing cataract surgery and other eye treatments to the NHS in England made an estimated £169million in profit collectively during 2023 – 24. The five’s average profit margin for NHS work is 32%. This financial boost from the Government earlier this year will, no doubt, soon be lining the coffers of numerous private firms. KONPNE is absolutely clear – money allocated to the Elective Recovery Plan should be invested in developing NHS-run capacity and services.
And, as if to emphasise the point, we note that Liz Twist MP writes that she “will always defend our NHS as a public service, free at the point of use, so that whenever you fall ill you never have to worry about the bill”. Absolutely. But, importantly, where is Liz’ commitment to NHS services being PUBLICLY PROVIDED?
KONPNE is crystal clear – services need to be publicly funded AND publicly provided. There is no room for shareholders raking off profits from OUR money provided for NHS healthcare.
We wish the Blaydon resident well.
Coincidentally, members of KONPNE had emailed Liz Twist MP earlier in the year (January 2025) and followed this up with a posted letter and information (March 2025), both requesting a meeting to discuss NHS provision. We would really appreciate the opportunity to discuss and work with Liz Twist MP on these issues. We are still awaiting a response and will keep you updated.
Private Eye is also following these appalling trends in our eye services – see Private Eye 1648 2nd – 15th May 2025
Information:
https://www.chpi.org.uk/the-outsourcing-of-nhs-eye-care-profit-map
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/may/04/profits-from-nhs-england-eye-care-outsourcing-same-as-100-pfi-contracts-research-finds
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Happy Birthday – or RIP?
We recently found this article, written in 2023 by KONPNE member Paul Thompson for the Northumberland community-run magazine The Curious Squirrel. Two years later and now approaching 77 on the 5th July 2025, grandfather Nat remains in need of much nourishment
My grandfather Nat had looked after us all our lives, always being willing to help whenever we needed him. So it came as a great shock when, as he reached his seventy-fifth birthday and I turned to him once more, he told me he could no longer help and that I would have to look elsewhere and pay for assistance instead.
“But why didn’t you warn me that this was going to happen” I asked, “instead of springing it upon me when I need you most? “
“I thought you might have noticed” he replied “I’ve been getting weaker and more frail for years and now I’m exhausted. You all take me for granted, your aunty Teresa and uncles David and Boris haven’t fed me properly and now I have hardly anything left to give”.
This is an experience we may all become increasingly familiar with in the months and years to come.
The Newcastle Journal on 6 June 2023 revealed that “Central funding for the NHS in the North East and North Cumbria fell by £100 million over the last two years and a further £60 million is set for next year” and “NHS England have outlined a requirement for each ICB (our local Integrated Care Board covers the above region) to reduce their running costs by 30% by 2025/6″.
This is likely to lead to more restrictions in services provided by surgeries and hospitals, further staff-shortages and even longer waiting-lists (examples of measures Professor Allyson Pollock Public Health Professor at Newcastle University has described as “conscious cruelty”), resulting in more patients turning in desperation to the ever-burgeoning private health sector.
As the NHS reaches 75 years of age in July we might remember that its founder Nye Bevan is reputed to have said in 1948: “the NHS will last as long as there are folk with faith to fight for it”.
The Squirrel asks – could we celebrate its birthday by showing our faith and supporting campaign-groups such as Keep Our NHS Public North-East ( www.konpnortheast.com ) in the fight?
The Curious Squirrel community-run magazine can be viewed at https://www.curioussquirrel.net/
Many thanks to Paul and colleagues at the Curious Squirrel for allowing us to reproduce this article
On an Island of Strangers
Following Starmers recent speech on curbing migration to the UK, including the “warning” (!!) that the UK risks becoming an “Island of Strangers”, here is the reality check.
Many thanks to the wonderful Michael Rosen. Glad they were there for you. Glad you’re here with us. Thank you for your words. It is CRUCIAL that we remember the facts and ignore ridiculous soundbites from politicians who should know better.
Excerpt:
….people on this ‘island of strangers’
from China, Jamaica, Brazil, Ireland
India, USA, Nigeria and Greece.
If ever you’re in need as I was
may you have an island of strangers
like I had.
Michael Rosen, May 2025
Click here for the full poem
Guardian article on Starmers speech is here
Michael Rosen performing Island of Strangers is here
Proposed cuts to disability benefits: 3 MPs react…. but only 2 provide helpful ways forward
Tuesday 15th April 2025
⇒ MP 1: Richard Burgon MP (Leeds East)
Richard Burgon, MP for Leeds East – not in the KONP North East area, but DEFINITELY worth a mention!! – on x (twitter) today states “Tax Wealth – Don’t Cut Disability Support”.
Richard Burgon states:
“We shouldn’t cut a single penny in support for disabled people – we should tax the wealthiest instead. I’ve launched a petition calling for wealth taxes, not cuts – as part of our campaign to get as many MPs as possible to vote down these cuts. A Labour Government should not punish the poorest and most vulnerable. Cuts to support for disabled people aren’t just wrong but completely unnecessary. A 2% wealth tax on assets over £10 million would raise £24 BILLION!”
CLICK HERE
to sign the Change.Org petition launched today
⇒ MP 2: Ian Lavery MP (Blyth and Ashington)
Ian Lavery slams Government over proposed £5 billion welfare cuts.
Blyth and Ashington’s Labour MP has called the Government’s planned welfare cuts “a step in the wrong direction” and vowed to vote against the plans in Parliament.
Ian Lavery said the reforms, which were outlined by Secretary of State Liz Kendall, contained “deeply concerning elements”. The Government hopes to save £5 billion by 2030, but the reforms announced have drawn significant criticism. The plans would see the eligibility for the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) tightened so fewer people would be eligible. PIP is paid out to people under state pension age who have a long-term physical or mental health condition and difficulty with daily living activities or mobility.
Ian Lavery stated:
“The Government’s benefits reform are a step in the wrong direction. While supporting people into employment and promoting workplace flexibility are positive steps, these reforms contain deeply concerning elements. We all want people to have access to well-paid jobs with fair terms and conditions, as well as the flexibility needed for those living with disabilities and long-term illnesses. However, reforming the benefits system should not come at the expense of financial security for the most vulnerable. At its core, these changes are driven by cost-cutting rather than genuine support. Not only do these proposals impose significant financial penalties on sick and disabled people, but they also make accessing benefits like Personal Independence Payment (PIP) far more difficult”.
CLICK HERE
for the full Chronicle article (20th March 2025)
and….
⇒ MP 3: Liz Twist MP (Blaydon and Consett)
A KONPNE supporter living in Gateshead recently wrote to MP Liz Twist with huge concerns about the cuts to disability benefits….
CLICK HERE
for the very limited response from Liz Twist MP (April 2025)
….who is, shall we say, “following the party line”…..?
At a time like this, we need our MPs to stand up and speak out loud and clear, with no ifs or buts….we need to be taxing wealth, and not reducing support by taking money from vulnerable people in our society.
KONPNE are following this important matter closely and we will, of course, be monitoring and reporting on the voting patterns of ALL of the MPs who represent us in the North East. We are not aligned to any political party, and will be following any and all.
CLICK HERE
for the Statement from Keep Our NHS Public “Labour Party Abandons Disabled People” (21st March 2025)
…and, in the interim, here’s some great advice from Disabled People Against the Cuts (DPAC): https://www.facebook.com/DPACne
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Amanda Pritchard, NHS Chief Exec, on Tyneside
Newcastle University Public Lecture series has secured Amanda Pritchard, Chief Executive of NHS England, to speak at tonights event – an excellent opportunity to hear from, and to question, the person at the top.
The University writes: In this lecture our speaker will discuss how the evolving needs of the public, as well as advances in science and technology, will shape both the demand on, and capabilities of, the NHS over the coming decade and beyond. Amanda Pritchard leads one of the 10 largest employers in the world, responsible for £150bn of annual funding. She has worked in the NHS since 1987, including in the Prime Minister’s Delivery Unit, and speaks about the service at a time of unparalleled pressures and demands, as it wrestles with demographic change and political challenges.
And KONPNE writes: Speaking to a packed auditorium at the Herschel Building, Newcastle University, Amanda Pritchard structured her presentation through an emphasis on the importance of viewing the NHS as a diverse team, charged with the three-fold need to recover (from the pandemic), to strengthen (the workforce, through recruitment, training and retention, and by being open and fair to all staff) and to transform (into a joined up, person-centred service through innovation and integration).
So far, so good. But what of the cuts, closures, underfunding and privatisation? Of course, this evening demanded strong attendance from KONPNE, and we were successful in having two questions attended to in the short post-lecture question slot:
“In order to reduce waiting lists the NHS is frequently paying for treatments from private companies. How do you justify the increasing use of public money to fund profit making companies and their shareholders, resulting in less of that money being available to pay for healthcare? “
and
“I am a member of Keep Our NHS Public North East, and I am interested in what you just said about privatisation. There is, this week, a piece in a national newspaper which reports that 10% of elective care is now provided by the private sector. Additionally, here, in the North East, an increasing number of private companies are gaining huge contracts to provide health care. One private healthcare group has the contract to run the Urgent Care Walk In Centres, which are located within our NHS hospitals throughout the North East. These take overs are not widely known, and this secrecy is compounded by the private companies concerned being allowed to use the NHS logo in their publicity….it may be argued that private companies are hiding behind the trusted NHS logo and that the public are being hoodwinked. What is your view on this?”
It has to be said that the responses to both questions were underwhelming. It was astonishing that Amanda Pritchard insisted that “private healthcare provision is small”. Really??!! Fact check called for. And even more astonishing that she expected the audience to believe her claim. We believe otherwise. She went on to speak of her personal agreement with the ideals of Bevan who, in 1948, described the NHS as a milestone in history, a civilised step, free at the point of delivery, available to all, funded through taxation…fastforward to 2024 and Amanda Pritchard made no mention as to who would provide it, what would be provided and where.
And so – all in all, a very mixed bag. Time was called in the windy cloisters of Newcastle University, but not without final opportunistic conversations in the foyer…always the last to leave, KONPNE had a final word with Amanda Pritchard about the Peoples NHS campaign hosted by the national office of KONP, and provided her with her own personal copy of the newly published and detailed “Restore the Peoples NHS” brochure, which she agreed to read. Much food for thought.
Thank you to Newcastle University for arranging and hosting this event as part of the Public Lectures series – excellent to have a local opportunity to hear and question key speakers.
The Peoples NHS Campaign is hosted by National KONP, and centres around 5 Core Demands: 1) A publicly provided NHS – end private involvement 2) An NHS funded to succeed – not defunded to fail 3) Respect, recognition, and decent pay and conditions for all health workers 4) Re-invest in public health and tackle health inequalities 5) Rebuild, restore and expand our NHS
CLICK HERE
for info about the Peoples NHS campaign
Out and about in Northumberland….and reaching out to the local MP Ian Levy
Important discussions with people from both Blyth and Cramlington
A change of location from our usual rally or campaign actions at Grey’s Monument! As part of the KONP National Day of Action last week, members of KONPNE were out and about in Northumberland, spending time talking with people from both Blyth and Cramlington, inviting messages on postcards to the local MP, and providing info about the new Peoples NHS campaign….much activity, interest and much support – THANK YOU!! We agree that we urgently need to END private involvement in our healthcare and ENSURE that the NHS returns to being universally accessible, publicly delivered and accountable. Thank you, Blyth and Cramlington for your warm welcome.
konpnortheast.com 