Thank you for contacting me about the EU – US Free Trade Agreement, which is also known as TTIP. I recognise that you have concerns and would be glad to take this opportunity to clarify a few things as this agreement does not carry the risks that some have put forward.

Underlying the agreement is the opportunity to add £10 billion to our economy every year, which is almost £400 per household, which means more jobs, more choice and reduced prices. I am passionate in looking beyond our shores for best practice and in ensuring that we have the innovation needed to make our economy and public services more productive. Whilst we should always be open to learning from other countries around the globe, this same open attitude has ensured that British expertise is exported around the globe to positive effect. Britain punches above its weight because we are open to best practice and because we deliver it around the world ourselves.

With respect to the impact on public services, I have received assurance from the Government that the UK government alone will continue to decide how public services, including the NHS, are run. TTIP, therefore, does not change this and does not change our laws or lower consumer, labour or environmental standards. The TTIP agreement is about helping our consumers and our businesses access new markets. I am further assured by the Government that 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, not the other way around.

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 grounds. However, the Government assures me that 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. The Government assures me that extensive consultation has taken place and all provisions are being looked at carefully.

I am informed that more documents relating to negotiations will be made available to MPs as the process continues. I would also point you towards a wealth of material which has been published on the European Commission’s website. 

Parliament will be debating this matter on Thursday 10th December. This is not a Government led motion so does not carry a Government impacting vote. I have asked if I would attend and would have made every effort to do so but I am currently on crutches and in a specialist boot having sustained an injury this week and have been told that I should stay away from London for the remainder of the week. Parliament has previously debated this measure and I am assured will be at liberty to scrutinise the final agreement. Parliament therefore has the ultimate final veto power.

Thank you again for contacting me. I hope that this provides some clarification.