Anti-trade deal petition hits 180,000 in UK

More than a million people across Europe, including 180,000 in the UK, have signed a petition opposing trade deals between the European Union and North America.

By The Newsroom

Published 4th Dec 2014, 10:53 BST

The World Development Movement (WDM) said the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) had provoked strong opposition, which critics claim could lead to health services being privatised.

Unions and campaign groups are opposed to the deal, which the Government maintains will boost business in the UK, create jobs and fuel the economy.

Nick Dearden, director of the WDM, said: “The European Commission is desperately fighting to prevent a critical debate from taking place about these trade deals with North America.

“With TTIP threatening labour rights, environmental standards and vital public services like the NHS, it’s not surprising that more than a million people have voiced their opposition to it in such a short space of time.”