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Huge opposition sees unprecedented 150,000 respond to TTIP consultation

CONSULTATION on a controversial trade deal between the EU and the US revealed huge scepticism yesterday.

An unprecedented 150,000 responses were received — over a third from Britain — mainly opposing the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP).

European Commission (EC) officials said they were surprised at the number of replies, adding it was a “matter of concern” that so many were negative.

Campaign groups such as 38 Degrees and trade unions have been warning that TTIP would lead to NHS services being privatised.

EC officials said 50,000 of the replies came via 38 Degrees, although hundreds of different organisations and thousands of individuals responded.

War on Want executive director John Hilary said: “The European Commission can no longer be in any doubt as to the strength of public feeling against this transfer of power to big business.”

Unite general secretary Len McCluskey commented: “Britain expects David Cameron to stand up for the NHS and use his veto in Europe to get the NHS out of TTIP.”

Further consultations will be held in the coming months with a view to reaching an outline deal by the end of the year, although negotiations on investment have been suspended.

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