CAMPAIGNERS took to Oxford's Bonn Square this afternoon to protest against the percieved privatisation of the NHS.

Linked to the 38 Degrees group, which campaigns on human rights issues across the UK, they set up banners and spoke to shoppers about the need to protect NHS services.

Campaigner Andrew Robertson, 37, said: "It's a life and death issue. We can't afford a health service where the profits go to private contractors.

"It leads to fractured services, unrealistic targets and drives down standards of care.

"In Oxford we only have to look at the issue of A and E which is reaching breaking point and paramedics working ridiculously long hours."

Parliamentary candidate for East Oxford Artwell (Independent) said he was not impressed by the relatively small numbers of people who stopped to talk to the campaigners.

He said: "You can guarantee that everyone here in Bonn Square today will rely on the NHS at some point in their lives."

Passer-by Sandy Stewart from Oxford said: "I think it's good they are here. Anything which makes people more aware of what's going on is a good thing.

"It's easy to sit at home and think you should do something about it. I think they do the very best they can to treat people with the pressure they are under but it's very important to protect the service."