Politicians are being urged to throw their support behind the NHS.

Sussex Defend the NHS and Keep our NHS Public campaigners are joining forces to step up the fight against what they believe is the growing privatisation of its services.

They are calling on all of Brighton and Hove’s MPs, councillors and election candidates to sign a pledge and make a public commitment to protecting services.

By signing, the politicians will also support the repeal of the controversial 2012 Health and Social Care Act.

It will also mean they oppose the “dismantling and privatisation” of NHS services and support NHS workers who are fighting against reduced pay, terms and conditions.

Madeleine Dickens, of Sussex Defend the NHS, said: “Our NHS in Brighton and Hove and across Sussex is in danger, with community and hospital-based services run by private companies. There is also a critical shortage of mental health beds, former NHS staff employed by private companies facing job losses, drastically reduced pay and conditions and A&E and ambulance services under escalating pressure.

“Why is a much-loved service, which has saved the lives of millions of people fighting for its own life?”

The NHS Pledge Campaign will be officially launched at 7.30pm on September 24 at Brighton and Hove Sixth Form College in Dyke Road.

Invited speakers are Brighton Pavilion MP Caroline Lucas, Brighton Kemptown Labour party parliamentary candidate Nancy Platts, comedian Kevin Day, Carl Walker, election candidate for the National Health Action party in Worthing, and mental health nurse and Unison activist Stephen McClean.

Members of the public are welcome to attend.