CROWDS marched through the borough's streets at the weekend in protest against the proposed closure of Ealing Hospital’s A&E.
Around a thousand campaigners turned out for the event, including many with placards saying ‘Our NHS is here to stay’ and ‘Stop cuts, closures and privatisation’ whilst parading from Southall park to Ealing common on Saturday (April 27).
There was chanting, drumming and dancing on the way to the rally, where MPs and councillors gave speeches about their intentions.
Julian Bell, leader of Ealing council, said: "It was a fantastic showing. We need to take every step possible to oppose these mad plans. It’s the biggest change in the NHS history and we must stop it in its tracks.
“It has been referred to the Secretary of State for health and we have made the decision to take this to judicial review. If ever there was a time to take a decision to court and spend our money it is now.”
Ealing Southall MP Virendra Sharma told the crowds: "The huge numbers of people who joined this march are a testimony to the upset and anger in Ealing over the Government’s planned closure of the A&E services at Ealing Hospital.
"Today was a great step forward in ensuring that these services are available to all those who need them. We will continue to fight these closures and I know that the Council is doing everything in its power to challenge these unfair plans."
