PARTY leaders from throughout the UK have signed to pledge to make sure the NHS is protected from TTIP, but there is one notable name missing: David Cameron.
The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership could put the future of the health service at risk, union leaders have claimed, with the nature of the trade deal opening the door for US investment in public services. Despite signatures from First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale, as well as Northern Irish, Welsh and Green party leaders, Cameron has so far refused to put his name to the pledge.
The trade agreement, which is still being negotiated, will allow governments to exempt certain areas from the deal, which the European Commission said will not affect public services.
In Germany, where around 250,000 people took to the streets to protest TTIP earlier this month, the government have already started taking action to protect services by setting out exemptions from the deal, but, so far, the UK government have failed to exclude the NHS.
Last month, all 56 SNP MPs signed a motion expressing concerns at the trade deal, with Corbyn and shadow chancellor John McDonnell adding their names to the list. The pledge states that signatories must veto the agreement unless the NHS is ‘fully and clearly exempted from the agreement’.
The Unite union are leading the campaign to get leaders signed up, and have said a lack of action from the PM could result in the ‘irreversible sale’ of the NHS. Regional secretary Pat Rafferty said:
“Expert legal advice confirms that there are clear dangers arising from TTIP that could impact the NHS unless political leaders are ready to use the veto.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here