Thousands protest against EU-US trade deal across the UK

The Landworkers’ Alliance (LWA) joined more than 50 groups to protest against the controversial Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) on Saturday.

Protests took place all around the country as part of the no TTIP campaign and the LWA joined coalition groups protesting in London.

The European Commission will host trade talks in Brussels all this week, with the UK government arguing if the new trade deal goes ahead this will open up trade and boost the economy.

However, critics say the deal puts a lot of power into the hands of large corporations, with fears the deal could mean large US firms will be able to sue governments over laws that are against their interests.

There are also worries from producers with the LWA worried about the safety of US imported meat.

Adam Payne, a spokesperson for LWA, said although the protest was a good start but “we really need to work to stand against the TTIP”.

He believes there is still not enough focus on this important trade deal and said, “We need other farming and agricultural unions to join us as this deal will effect them negatively.

“We still have time but now it’s crucial to build a big united opposition against the TTIP.”

The EU has publicly announced that the deal would not change European consumer safety laws. However, this has not stopped groups that are worried the deal could see a reduction in the importance placed on climate change and environmental issues and millions of job losses.

More than 1,000 people protested in front of the EU’s UK base at Smith Square, including the World Development Movement (WDM).

Speaking at the protest, Nick Dearden, director of the WDM, said, “This deal would hand multinational companies unprecedented powers over life in this country, including the ability to sue a future government for billions of pounds if they didn’t like its decisions. 

“The deal is not really about trade, it’s about entrenching the position of the 1%. It should be abandoned.”  

Photo: World Development Movement

Further reading:

EU-US trade deal will ‘force farmers out of business’, say producers

Data reveals agribusiness biggest lobbyer on EU-US secret trade deal

War on Want launch national tour against EU-US trade deal

38 Degrees launches public ad campaign against EU-US trade deal

Campaign groups call for halt to transatlantic trade deal