By Adam Jones
Up to 25,000 people marched in Lewisham on Saturday to protest at the closure of the local hospital. The demo was led by trade unionists, especially in the NHS, community groups and local residents. It was supported by unions nationally as well as local MPs and councillors. A number of speakers vowed to continue the fight, one of the first mass campaigns of protests within a local area since the austerity offensive began.
With other London hospitals slated for closure as cuts to the NHS budget begin to bite, this and similar protests are set to continue over a prolonged period.