Actor Michael Sheen gave
one of his finest performances yet in support of the NHS this weekend. He spoke
in Tredegar, Wales, birthplace of Aneurin Bevan, architect of the NHS. Sheen’s speech,
delivered with impressive force, should be an inspiration to all those
defending the NHS. Here are some key extracts:
·
In
1945, Aneurin Bevan said, “We have been the dreamers. We have been the
sufferers. And now we are the builders”. And my god how they built and what
they built. Every bit as much a wonder of the world as any architectural marvel
or any natural miracle. The National Health Service. A truly monumental vision.
The result of true representation, of real advocacy. A symbol of equality, of
fairness and of compassion. The nation that swept the post-war government into
power was made up of a people that had faced the horrors and hardships of the
Second World War. And bound together as one community, they had been sustained
and inspired by a feeling of comradeship, and sense of responsibility for their
fellow man and woman. Compelled to help those in need and those in hardship.
·
In
his book ‘In Place of Fear’, Bevan said, “The collective principle asserts that
no society can legitimately call itself civilised if a sick person is denied
medical aid because of lack of means”.
·
We
do not turn our backs on those facing hard times. We do not abandon them or
exploit their weakness. Because they are us. If not now, then at some point and
inevitably, they are us. We are not afraid to acknowledge that we can be
ailing. That we can find ourselves weak. We do not shy away from that hard
truth. We embrace it because in that way, we are always strong. We leave no-one
behind. We only say we cross the finish line when the last of us does. Because
no-one is alone. And because there is such a thing as society.
·
It’s
no surprise that people feel disengaged with politics. Never an excuse not to
speak up for what you think is right. You must stand up for what you believe.
But first of all believe in something. Because there are plenty out there who
believe in grabbing as much as they can. They won’t say it. They are too smart
for that. No one says they want to get rid of the NHS. Everyone praises it.
It’s as powerful a symbol for goodness that anyone has.
·
This
is beyond party politics. This is about who we want to be as a nation. Too many
people have given too much and fought too hard, for us to give away what they
achieved and be left with so very little.
For a full video of the speech see here:
Vinod Achan
