Former nurse Jo Brand is among top comics who will stand-up against austerity at a special gig for the People’s Assembly this summer.

Ms Brand is one of eight British comedy big hitters ready to crack their best gags in a benefit gig for the grassroots movement against cuts on July 7.

Marcus Brigstocke, Jason Manford, Mark Steel, Jeremy Hardy, Stewart Lee, Jen Brister and Robin Ince will also perform for free at what’s certain to be a sell-out gig at London’s famous Hammersmith Apollo theatre.

Giving a flavour of her planned set, Ms Brand railed against Tory attempts to privatise the health service where she once worked.

“The NHS is safe in our hands — so said David Cameron and the Tories not so long ago,” she said.

“It seems to me more like ‘the NHS safe is in their hands’ as they continue to plunder and break up a service, which is a leading light in the world and also the mark, as far as I am concerned, of any civilised society.”

Taking a shot at austerity on stage will come naturally for the likes of Jo Brand and Mark Steel, who make a living from mercilessly mocking Britain’s elite.

Mr Brigstocke’s latest tour has been dedicated to unmasking the truth behind the Tory’s “big society” catchphrase, while Stewart Lee also took no prisoners in his recent BBC stand-up series.

But for others, like Mancunian Jason Manford, the benefit gig represents a rare foray into politics.

The coming-together will deal a huge blow to out-of-touch Prime Minister David Cameron and his millionaire Con-Dem Cabinet before next year’s general election.

Comedian and People’s Assembly champion Francesca Martinez, who was central to landing the comedy coup, told the Star why so many top-quality comics are willing to come out in support of the People’s Assembly and against austerity.

“I think the attacks on the NHS, education and welfare are uniting people everywhere against this government’s anti-austerity agenda,” said Ms Martinez.

“I am so excited that such a great line-up of people are lending their backing to this incredibly important movement.

“It will be a huge boost to all the groups who are fighting for a system built around equality, human rights and the environment.”

Over 3,000 people will pack out the gig at the Hammersmith Apollo, which hosts the BBC’s famous Live at the Apollo stand-up shows.

People’s Assembly national secretary Sam Fairbairn said the “fantastic gig is not only an essential way of raising money to boost the campaign but is a great chance to bring thousands of new people into the movement.”

The announcement comes just days after fellow comedian Russell Brand revealed he will rally crowds at the People’s Assembly’s national demonstration against austerity on June 21.

See www.thepeoplesassembly.org.uk for  event and ticket details.