Oxford protesters occupy NHS building

The headquarters for the Oxfordshire NHS Primary Care Trust have been occupied by groups protesting against the NHS and Social Care Bill.

Members of Oxfordshire Anti Cuts Alliance and Keep Our NHS Public accuse the bill of "dismantling the NHS".

Organiser Gawain Little said: "Profit not patients will be the central motivating force of the new system."

Defending the bill, health minister Lord Howe said: "Competition would only be used to benefit patients."

An NHS spokesman said: "There is a peaceful protest taking place in a conference room at our (NHS Oxfordshire) headquarters in Oxford.

"There are currently around 20 people inside the room. At present the protest is not causing any disruption for people working in the building."

Earlier police confirmed they were in attendance.