Councillor Vivien Cutler delivering a cake

• LAST Thursday was the 70th anniversary of the founding of the NHS. We can all count at least one time when this vital public service has served us, our family and friends.

That is why Islington Labour councillors, campaigners and others delivered cakes to NHS practices and hospitals across the borough last Thursday.

It may have been the NHS’s 70th birthday, but for its hard-working employees it was another busy day of serving the community. We felt it important to recognise the extraordinary work our NHS staff do and to thank them for it in some tangible way.

Eleven Islington Labour councillors, Islington Keep Our NHS Public, the Pensioners Forum and others delivered cakes to around 20 GP practices, three pharmacies and clinics in four hospitals. Bakeries, food shops and home bakers donated cakes to ensure this was a real celebration and communal effort.

However, the NHS today is facing serious funding pressures and creeping privatisation because of the government. Islington Labour is firmly committed to the NHS remaining free at the point of use so it can serve everyone.

We will continue to call on the government to properly fund the NHS and ensure it remains publicly owned and publicly accountable.

CLLR VIVIEN CUTLER
Labour, St Peter’s ward