I have received letters and emails from constituents regarding the EU-US Free Trade Agreement, which is also known as the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP). Whilst I can appreciate that there are concerns about TTIP, I will seek to clarify a few things below as this agreement does not carry the risks that some have put forward.
At the outset, it’s important to point out that underlying the agreement is the opportunity to add £10 billion to our economy every year, which is almost £400 per household, and means more jobs, greater choice and reduced prices. Whilst campaigners against TTIP have raised a number of issues that they believe to be contentious, many of the arguments against the negotiation are based on misconceptions which have already been refuted. I will try to address them briefly below.
Firstly, despite arguments to the contrary, there is no threat to the NHS from TTIP. It is for UK Governments alone to decide how public services, including the NHS are run and this agreement does not change this, nor other UK laws or lower consumer, labour or environmental standards. Indeed, Both the European Commissioner and the Chief Negotiator have confirmed that TTIP cannot force member states to open the health service up to competition from private providers.
Instead, this agreement is about helping our businesses access new markets, and ensuring British people enjoy more choice, and lower costs in the shops. Where mutually high standards can be recognised with the US they will be, but where this is not possible US businesses will have to raise their standards to meet ours. This is not the ‘race to the bottom’ that those opposed to the deal have suggested.
Secondly, there have been claims that investors could sue a government for losses and win if a government takes a decision in the wider public interest, whether on health, the environment or consumer safety. However, this could not happen. It is important that businesses investing abroad are protected from discrimination and unfair treatment, but there is nothing to allow companies to undermine public policymaking. Extensive consultation has taken place and all provisions are being looked at carefully.
More documents relating to negotiations will be made available to MPs as the process continues and a wealth of material has been published on the European Commission's website. Parliament has also had a number of opportunities to debate this agreement, will scrutinise the final agreement and ultimately has the final veto power.
In the meantime, I would urge constituents to visit the following webpage, which expands on the points made above and will be updated as and when further information becomes available: www.gov.uk/government/collections/transatlantic-trade-and-investment-partnership-ttip.