THOUSANDS of campaigners are set to answer the rallying cry and take to the streets on Saturday in support of the Whittington Hospital s A&E department, which is under threat of closure. Marchers, who will set off to the hospital from Highbury Corner will

THOUSANDS of campaigners are set to answer the rallying cry and take to the streets on Saturday in support of the Whittington Hospital's A&E department, which is under threat of closure.

Marchers, who will set off to the hospital from Highbury Corner will include politicians from all parties, members of staff at the Archway hospital and thousands of residents and patients angry at the proposal by NHS bosses to scrap the A&E.

They will want to send a strong message to NHS North Central London that they will have a fight on their hands if they try to push through the distinctly unpopular plans.

Zozi Goodman, co-chair of Defend the Whittington Hospital Coalition who have organised Saturday's march, said: "The police have said they are expecting several thousand to turn up and I will be surprised if there are not that many. I just hope the rain does not put people off."

Speakers will include MPs Jeremy Corbyn, Emily Thornberry and Lynne Featherstone as well as Wendy Savage from the group Keep Our NHS Public.

Protesters are being told to congregate at Highbury Corner by midday before they set off north up the Holloway Road towards the Whittington Hospital.

Police have agreed to close off Magdala Avenue outside the entrance to the hospital where the speeches will be heard.

Notable local groups will also have a strong showing including the Highgate Society.

Saturday's protest looks likely to be the first of many public demonstrations against the A&E closure plans which will go on throughout the year.

A positive Ms Goodman said: "I have been leafleting this week but most people have said to me they were already planning to come. People seem to have taken this on themselves and spread the word. I expect thousands to turn up."

The Ham&High will also be on the march - keep an eye out for our placards.