Opponents of world trade deal campaign in Forres

A SMALL group gathered nearly 100 signatures on Forres High Street to add to a petition against a world trade deal.

The protesters gathered at the Tolbooth for three hours to highlight the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) between the European Union and the United States, a proposal which they believe will only result in placing more power in the hands of businessmen.

The Forres protest was part of a nationwide effort coordinated by independent campaign group 38 Degrees, to warn people about the possible dangers of the deal and how it might affect their lives if it isn’t stopped.

Carola Splettstoesser from Well Cottage, Kinloss felt compelled to organise her first demonstration against what she perceives as an anti-democratic move.

“We wanted to raise awareness of the secretive deal with the USA that is set to give more power to big corporations,” she said. “It went really well and a great many signed.

“We were approximately seven to ten people all told, at various times, people who had, like myself, signed up to the event on the web.”

Proponents of TITP say the agreement would result in multilateral economic growth, while critics say it would increase corporate power and make it more difficult for governments to regulate markets for public benefit.

After a proposed draft was leaked in March 2014, the European Commission launched a public consultation on a limited set of clauses and in January 2015 published parts of an overview. If an agreement is to be made, it is not expected to be finalized before 2016.

Campaigners say the deal could force NHS trusts across the country to open up to American private healthcare providers, and could allow big businesses to sue the government if British laws dent their profits.

The 38 Degrees petition, including signatures from Forres, will be delivered to politicians next month.

Amy Lockwood, campaigner at 38 Degrees, was pleased with the local effort to “push TTIP, the dangerous trade deal, out of secret negotiating rooms and into the public spotlight”.

“People in Moray have a right to know that this dodgy deal is being hashed out behind their backs,” she said. “From the NHS, to schools, to the food on our tables, TTIP could tear up the public services and protections that people fought hard for.

“Saturday’s day of action was all about sending a message to corporate lobbyists: we won’t sit back while you re-write the rules of democracy.”

The EU-wide petition against TTIP has almost reached 2.5 million signatures. It can be found at www.38degrees.org.uk/ttip