THE UK Government must be “up front” about a major transatlantic trade deal as the EU prepares to put it into force “within weeks”, it is claimed.

EU trade commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom said the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) could enter into force imminently after a ratification vote last month.

The EU-Canada agreement would allow firms to sue governments, give business a larger role in making regulations and lock in the privatisation of the NHS and other services.

Opponents claim it will erode civil liberties and put profit before people. Last week the French constitutional court opened up a full inquiry on the grounds that it may breach national statutes.

UK International Trade Secretary Dr Liam Fox promised a debate in the House of Commons last year, but none has yet been scheduled.

The SNP trade spokesperson Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh says Fox must bring the issue to MPs for a full public debate, stating: “The UK Government’s handling of the CETA deal has been poor from start to finish, but they need to be upfront now about the next steps and what role parliament will have, if any, in the ratification process. Liam Fox has already promised a full debate in parliament which he has yet to deliver, but this issue is too important to be conducted in back rooms without any public scrutiny.”

The Department for International Trade said: “CETA is an important trade agreement for the UK that will generate jobs and growth and benefit consumers across all sectors. We look forward to working with British companies to ensure they take full advantage.”