50,000 people march in Manchester against NHS cuts
A UNION protest took place today in Manchester where around 50,000 people marched against NHS changes and austerity cuts in an attempt to highlight the Government's impact on jobs and health service spending.
The march attempted to take some attention away from the first day of the Conservative Party conference as politicians and ministers discussed policy at Manchester Central earlier today.
At 12:15pm, thousands of protestors walked through Manchester city centre to Whitworth park where a rally was called and union leaders along with other officials had their chance to address the crowd.
Shadow health secretary, Andy Burnham was not shy to commend today's movement.
He said: "What a message you have sent today to an arrogant, out-of-touch, Prime Minister."
"David Cameron, are you listening? You have never been given permission to put the National Health Service up for sale. That's the message coming out of this rally today," said the MP as crowds cheered after his comments.
The Tory move to privatise the NHS has been met with concerns over the past year.
A spokeswoman for the Department of Health said:: "The NHS will stay free for everyone, but it's right that patients should get the best service - regardless of who provides it.
"Charities, social enterprises and independent providers play an important part in providing NHS care - and have done for many years - helping give patients more choice of where and how they are treated."
She confirmed there was "absolutely no government policy to privatise NHS services".
Greater Manchester Police confirmed that they had made two arrests during the march despite a mainly peaceful demonstration.
The police said that it had been one of the largest marches that they had ever dealt with.