DONALD Trump's controversial NHS comments have sparked a protest in Carlisle city centre and a petition against privatisation of the health service.

During his high-profile State Visit, the US President has been met with a backlash after remarks that the NHS should form part of a future trade deal between the UK and US.

It sparked outrage among the public, unions and politicians - with both Conservative leadership candidates and senior Labour figures hitting back.

The President has since appeared to backtrack, but many remain concerned about the potential implications of a post-Brexit trade deal on the NHS.

Labour activists have organised a protest in Carlisle city centre on Saturday afternoon.

The Carlisle Carlisle Labour Party has also launched a petition calling on the city’s MP, John Stevenson, to block any moves that could see the NHS used in trade negotiations.

It reads: “Carlisle Labour is shocked by the reckless comments of US President Donald Trump. Despite his backtracking, he has proved he cannot be trusted and that our NHS must not be put up for sale.

"American-style privatisation is already creeping in slowly and threatening an end to free healthcare for our children, parents, loved ones and the most vulnerable of our society.

"We should fight as hard as we can to protect it."

The petition -

which can be signed online here

- goes on to call on Mr Stevenson to demand the NHS is taken firmly off the table.

Ruth Alcroft, Carlisle’s Labour general election candidate, described Trump's comments as a “wake up call”

She said: "With our links to Woodrow Wilson, 28th President of the United States, a man who advocated peace and democracy, prioritised education and workers' rights, it was inevitable that Carlisle would watch Trump's visit with interest.

"Whilst respecting the office of President, we should not be prepared to accept the politics of racism, sexism and climate denial but instead seek a partnership that offers a better future for all of us. “

President Trump's visit to the UK had already sparked protests from thousands of people.

Penrith and the Border's Conservative MP and Tory leadership candidate Rory Stewart also reacted to his comments about the NHS.

He tweeted: "In case there was any doubt, I would not be 'offering up' the NHS in any trade deal. The NHS is incredibly important - a great symbol of our civilisation which we should protect and invest in."