We've discussed TTIP over recent months - it's the deal that's been negotiated in secret, and there's barely any information provided to citizens.
MPs are now being allowed to view some of the draft agreement, in a single room, though they must only be accompanied by a pencil and paper. No technology, pens etc.
The agreement has very positive backing from Cameron et al, although is being negotiated between the EU and the USA. If we left the EU, we'd almost certainly get some version of it, due to Cameron's rabid support for it - perhaps worse than Europe's, as we'd be a lone body trying to get what we'd like, a few million consumers versus hundreds of millions.
TTIP are a set of trade easing agreements, making it easy to flog stuff in each others' countries. It may sound superficially nice, if you were a little start-up business hoping to move some of your stuff into the USA from the UK. But it's likely that the USA will be the net winner here.
Regulations would be 'overcome', to make such trade easier. Think all countries will increase their standards and regulations to those of the highest? I'd suggest that you think again - it'll be a race to the bottom.
In Europe 1,200 chemicals are prohibited for use in cosmetics. The USA has just 12. Their system allows use of chemicals unless proven dangerous. Here substances must be proven as safe before they are permitted in many items.
It's also forecast that we will suffer from large number of job losses, as US companies benefit from a more open market here.
How do you all feel that this is being conducted in secret, that even our democratically elected officials are only being allowed to see parts of it, but under very controlled conditions?
There's some background information and opinion on it, within the Independent site (should be a fab approved posted link, as it's a national recognised news source): http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/what-is-ttip-and-six-reasons-why-the-answer-should-scare-you-9779688.html |
