Nick Clegg backs campaign to save the Whittington (Islington Liberal Democrats)

Islington Liberal Democrats <Islington_ld@cix.co.uk>

Nick Clegg backs campaign to save the Whittington

April 9, 2010 3:01 PM

Islington Liberal Democrats protesting against the closure of Whittington A&E

Islington Liberal Democrats' campaign to save Whittington Hospital's accident & emergency unit received a massive boost this week with the backing of national party leader Nick Clegg.

Local Liberal Democrats have been campaigning against the proposal to close Whittington A&E since the plans were leaked to Lynne Featherstone MP last November.

As the general election campaign kicked off in earnest, Nick Clegg pledged he would not allow the NHS to close the Whittington. The clear line from the Lib Dem leader is in stark contrast to the woolly words offered by a Labour Health Minister, who only said that the case for closure "has not yet been made."

Nick Clegg, leader of the Lib Dems, said:

"I support the campaign to save Whittington A&E. Decisions about local services should be taken by locally accountable bodies.

"I would not let North London Central NHS close this A&E. I oppose any proposal which threatens local services."

Whittington Liberal Democrat campaigner, councillor Rhodri Jamieson-Ball, said:

"I'm delighted that Nick Clegg has said he would stop the closure of Whittington A&E. It's a shame that the Labour Government isn't prepared to do the same.

"Local people have made it clear that they want the Whittington A&E to stay open. It's in the Government's power to save our A&E. They need to stop the weasel words and vague assurances, follow Nick Clegg's example and commit to saving the Whittington."

Interesting fact:

An Opposition Day debate in to Health Services in London was held in the House of Commons on the 9 March. Labour Minister Mike O'Brien said in the debate: "At the moment I am not convinced of the need for the Whittington A and E to close."