Hundreds stage last stand against Lansley's Bill

Around 200 activists gathered outside the Department of Health in Whitehall, London, on Saturday before marching on leading lobbyist and privateer Virgin Healthcare's headquarters.

But more than 100 police officers barred the protesters from reaching Virgin's Strand offices, while the Virgin HQ and regular protest target Topshop locked their doors in anticipation.

Police kettled around 30 protesters in a back street near Chancery Lane for over an hour.

Demonstrations were under way today as the Morning Star went to press.

And protests have continued outside the capital, with around 20 protesters occupying a Primary Care Trust in Oxfordshire on Friday afternoon.

It is understood the group took over a conference room - symbolising the corporate influence behind the Bill - before rejoining another 25 protesters for a rally outside the centre several hours later.

And this evening in Birmingham locals are set to hold a candlelit vigil outside the Birmingham Children's Hospital, following the Bill's expected passing in the House of Lords tomorrow.

The weekend's protests mark a drastic slump since the Health and Social Care Bill's first Lords reading in September when around 3,000 protesters blocked Westminster Bridge in protest.

But opposition to the Bill itself showed no sign of flagging, with more than half a million signatures on a 38 Degrees petition urging the coalition government to hold off its overhaul.

Oxfordshire protester Ken Williamson told the Morning Star it was clear people were still angry.

"Hopefully it becomes Cameron's poll tax," he said.