WINCHESTER'S Labour party gathered in the heart of the city to campaign for the NHS.

Members gathered at the Buttercross on January 21 to mark the party's National Campaign Day and to talk to the public about the health service.

Richard James, chair of Winchester Labour, said: "Thousands of Labour members across the country came together today, listening and talking to local people about how our NHS needs saving from underfunding and understaffing, and from the Tories' inability to manage the current crisis in the NHS.

"The Prime Minister last week casually dismissed the realities of what’s happening on the ground. Here in Hampshire, the Sustainability and Transformation (STP) plans are seeking £577 million of savings in the next four years".

Speaking about MP Steve Brine's "Ask The NHS" event in Winchester, Mr James said that Labour members objected to a statement made by Richard Samuel, the STP lead, who said it was incredible that 98% of NHS interactions are face-to-face, while he could do all of his banking online.

"We feel that comparing vital healthcare to being able to check your bank balance on your iPhone trivialises our NHS, belittles the important work of health workers, and fails to understand the issues of access that face many ordinary people in Hampshire," said Mr James.

He added that Winchester Labour’s 1003 members will continue to raise the concerns that residents and party members have for the NHS.