blog.38degrees.org.uk/2014/05/15/secret-eu-us-trade-deal/
Other posters have talked about the dangers of the discussions that are taking place (which have received almost no coverage and which many people are consequently unaware of) regarding the TTIP Agreement. 38 Degrees is seeking support to mount a campaign to challenge these negotiations on behalf of the millions of ordinary people who are likely to be affected by the unprecedented powers that may be granted to corporations. 38 Degrees states that:
"Right now, officials in the US and EU are secretly negotiating a hugely influential and dangerous trade deal which would put the profits of big business ahead of our welfare, health and environment.
It’s called the “Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership”, or “TTIP” for short, but in reality it’s more like a Christmas-list for big business. The negotiations are shrouded in secrecy, but leaked details suggest the deal will:
- Allow companies to sue governments if they make decisions which negatively affect big business’ potential profits (like capping energy prices, or introducing plain packet cigarettes.)"
The implications of this are quite frightening. Large corporations have the financial clout to hire huge legal teams to mount proceedings against governments, which do not have unlimited amounts of money to defend themselves against such claims. The business world's priority is to maximise profits and it has proved to be unscrupulous in riding roughshod over the rights of ordinary people in achieving this.
If you are concerned about what is happening, please consider supporting the proposition to mount a campaign.
