NEARLY a thousand people in Central Devon have signed a petition against a trade deal with the USA. 

Okehampton residents Jan Goffey, Lyn Evans and Jenny Norman delivered a copy of the petition to the Central Devon constituency office on October 10, asking Mel Stride to oppose the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership — more widely known as TTIP — deal at any opportunity.

Throughout October, campaigners across the country are aiming to deliver the petition to all UK MPs.

TTIP is a series of trade negotiations being carried out between the European Union and USA. As a bi-lateral trade agreement TTIP is about reducing the regulatory barriers to trade for big business, such as food safety laws, environmental legislation and banking regulation.

Campaigners say the deal could lower Britain’s environment, food and working standards to dangerous levels if passed.

Jenny Norman, a Central Devon member of the online campaign group 38 Degrees, delivered the petition along with fellow members.

She said: ’Feelings are running high all over Europe about this trade deal as evidenced by a massive protest a few days ago by hundreds of thousands of people in Berlin.

‘It’s important that all MPs hear from local people about how dangerous TTIP is. They have influence over their party, and they’ll have a vote at some point in the future too. For the sake of our healthcare, environment and food in Central Devon, our MP needs to listen to us.’

Amy Lockwood, campaigns manager at 38 Degrees said: ’TTIP is bad news for the UK. It puts our public services at risk, threatens to lower our food and safety standards, and will give corporations sweeping new powers to sue our government.

‘Luckily millions of people across Europe are coming together to speak out against this dodgy trade deal - and now it’s time for our politicians to respond.

‘MPs need to hear from local people just how dangerous this deal is. That’s why hundreds of 38 Degrees members are meeting their MPs throughout October to deliver the petition straight to them and ask for them to oppose the deal at any opportunity.’

Mr Stride was unable to be present at the petition presentation but said later: ‘I appreciate some feel strongly about the EU – US Free Trade Agreement, however I believe it is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver £10-billion to the UK economy each year.

‘Ministers have been clear that there is nothing in this proposed agreement that would weaken environmental regulation, lead to the privatisation of the NHS or allow private companies to overturn the laws made by democratically elected governments.

‘Extensive consultation has taken place and all provisions within the agreement have been very carefully considered.’

The EU-wide petition against TTIP can be found at www.38degrees.org.uk/ ttip