Not bad... could do better

That's my verdict on yesterday's NHS SOS demonstration in Birmingham, which started from Dudley Road Hospital and finished up at Centenary Square in the city centre. Called by the North Staffs NHS SOS community campaign, but largely organised by the Socialist Party, it was meant to pull together community activists and hospital workers from across the Midlands region. This is the sort of thing that I support, so I duly hopped on a coach kindly laid on by my local Socialist Party, and headed over to Birmingham.

We arrived following the usual in-journey chat about left-wing sectariana (the demise of Workers' Power is a favourite thème du jour) to find about 200 people assembled ready for the demonstration. These included in the main hospital and blood service workers, as well as people from advocacy groups working on behalf of people with conditions such as MS. The Socialist Party were there in force, as would be expected given it was their baby, the SWP managed to rustle up a few members - although not even a significant fraction of their numbers across the West Midlands - and other notaries included a member of the AWL from Leicester, and a rather desolate looking chap selling Workers Power.

It all started off, we marched, it was noisy, the local media were there, jolly good etc. We eventually reached our destination, got through the various speakers including SP councillors Dave Nellist and Jackie Grunsall, NHS SOS, the MS advocacy group and a couple of others. Then everyone headed off into the Birmingham Midlands Institute for a post-demo meeting about where we go from here. This, whilst interesting, was primarily notable for the magnificent sight of one particular SP luminary and former Militant councillor, famed for his love of beer and hearty meals, wandering into the middle of proceedings (about half an hour late) carrying a plate of sandwiches. He then promenaded statesmanlike around the room, apparently oblivious to the meeting, until he had carefully selected a spot from which to observe the bemused speaker whilst enjoying his lunch.

Overall, it was a good day, but there were problems. Firstly, where was the turnout from the UK's second city? There were coaches from Staffs and Coventry, and the odd person from further afield, but the turnout from Birmingham itself was derisory. There may be some reason for this, but it needs sorting out. Secondly, where were the SWP? They turned out a few members, but nothing like what they're capable of doing when they put their minds to it. They have a lot of members in Birmingham, some of whom work in the health service, who were not there.

Thirdly, where were you, Denham? I know the Jazz Festival's on but still it's a poor show, old chap. Finally, and most importantly, since when do you have a fringe meeting in a building with no bar?

Good start guys, but the campaign needs to gather momentum if it's to become a real force to be reckoned with.