Actor Michael Sheen has been “stunned” by the public reaction to his St David’s Day speech about the state of the NHS.

Sheen, who is known for playing former Labour Prime Minister Tony Blair, spoke out about “bland” politicians after a march to celebrate the NHS and its founder Aneurin ‘Nye’ Bevan.

Actor Michael Sheen
(HT/ABACA/PA)

“Do we want to be a society that is supportive, inclusive and compassionate, where it is acknowledged that not all can prosper, and the most vulnerable, most in need of help, are not seen as lazy or robbing the rest of us? We do not turn our backs on those facing hard times,” the actor said, according to Wales Online.

“Nye Bevan had cast-iron integrity. He made no bones about how he felt. Politicians are today scared of alienating and upsetting part of the electorate.”

The rallying speech sparked a flood of reaction on social media much to the amazement of the Welsh actor, who reportedly flew in from Hollywood for the event.