THANET TELLS CAMERON WHAT WE THINK ABOUT THE CUTS

CAMERON TO FACE CARNIVAL AGAINST THE CUTS David Cameron will be met by a “Carnival Against the Cuts” when he comes to Canterbury on March 21st. Campaigning groups, including East Kent Keep Our NHS Public group, Canterbury And Whitstable Stop The Cuts, and Anti-Cuts Thanet, supported by the Public and Commercial Services Union, UNISON, GMB E23 and many others, are teaming up to confront the Prime Minister when he attends the investiture of the new Archbishop of Canterbury. Local NHS and anti-cuts campaigner Helen Lewarne is calling on the people of Kent to come to Canterbury to make their voices heard. She said: “Wherever Cameron goes he has been met with huge protests. Let’s make sure the people of Kent have their voices heard, adding to the chorus of protest across the nation against the unnecessary victimisation of ordinary families and the most vulnerable members of our society”. In particular the carnival campaigners plan to highlight the impact of the Health and Social Care legislation which comes into force April. Bunny la Roche of East Kent Keep Our NHS public said: “The legislation will cause the fragmentation of the NHS under multiple private providers whose primary allegiances will be to their shareholders. We will see an increase in post-code lottery provision of health care and it will not be long before it will be necessary for, those who can afford it, to take out private health care insurance. “With increasing unemployment and poverty rates soaring, many people will be unable to afford private health insurance. The health of the nation may well return to pre- war standards. “ But campaigners will also be protesting against the Government’s cuts to other public services and to welfare benefits, including the proposed “bedroom tax” which will take effect after 1st April. Said Bunny: “Here in east Kent a fifth of children and young people are living in poverty. Families are unable to even provide food for their children as is demonstrated by the appearance of food banks in our communities. There are already food banks in Medway, Thanet and Canterbury with plans to set up another one in Whitstable. The poorest people in the country are being made to suffer for the bankers’ crisis.” The carnival will take place outside Canterbury Cathedral in the Buttermarket at 11 am on 21st March. Said Bunny: “Street musicians are welcome to join us and anyone who wants to dress up for the occasion. We would encourage people to bring whistles, drums. Let’s make sure our message to David Cameron is loud and clear.” For more information, please ring 07939268962 or 07947424505, email us at eastkentkonp@gmail.com or find us on facebook at East Kent Keep Our NHS Public.