DURING the TUC conference in Brighton this week local trade unionists, socialists and environmentalists from Burnley and Pendle are lending their support to campaigns against privatisation of schools and hospitals.

A rally will be held next Tuesday in the Brierfield Community Centre, Colne Road, at 7.30pm and will be addressed by Nigel Flannagan, Secretary of Sefton UNISON branch, Tommy Fallows from the GMB and a speaker form the Green Party.

The Socialist alliance, who have recently set up branches in Pendle and Burnley, will also be present.

Simon Clarke, co-ordinator of Pendle Socialist Alliance asked: "Who can support a party that wants more privatisation of the public sector? New Labour is encouraging capitalists to make a profit from the education of our children and the care of our sick. This isn't what we voted for when we got rid of the Tories."