DO you know what TTIP is?
Embarrassingly, up until a few days ago I had no idea, I’m glad I do now but I almost wish I didn’t, or do I?
TTIP stands for the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership and it has a lot of people hot under the collar. Why all the kerfuffle?
The nay sayers will point out that the discussions on this are mainly behind closed doors, that the general public have no say and very little idea of what it will mean.
Phrases are bandied about such as, relaxing EU food regulations to be more in line with US ones where GM foods are more regularly found. Opening up the door to privatisation of the NHS. Setting up provision for Corporations to sue governments where decisions countries make and implement affect business and cause loss of income. Swedish Nuclear provider Vattenfell are reportedly in a long running suit with the German government for $6bn over the German decision to withdraw from the use of nuclear powered electricity production.
TTIP is being touted as another good reason for Britain to withdraw from the EU.
Like everything there are two sides to the story. History is littered with tales of businesses disappearing due to changes governments bring around. Recently think of the ‘Home Information Pack’ fiasco in the property sector, perhaps not a six billion dollar mess up but one that hurt a lot of ordinary people on the street. People paid for expensive training and set up businesses at the behest of the government to fulfill a need that was created, only a few years later to have the rug pulled from under their feet. How many received compensation?
There are some links below that will give you access to various information and points of view. Much more is available by searching the internet.
Is it an issue that should be considered as part of the ‘Brexit’ debate? You decide. I do fear that as a block, negotiating will always mean that some members will be unhappy. Would the UK negotiating on its own agree to everything, to more, to less? Possibly my concern is, more than anything else, are the people negotiating the ones best placed and equipped to do it? I don’t know but it does make you wonder sometimes. Many will argue that the combined power of the EU gives more leverage in negotiations. Are the EU negotiatiors hampered by concerns for twenty-eight different countries, by reporting back?
Increased trade abroad should benefit the British economy, all things should provide for a two way street. Change is inevitable and sometimes the best way to deal with it is to be prepared so, take some time to read up and find out what you should be taking note of.
The European Commission: About TTIP
What is TTIP and six reasons why it should scare you! The Independent
Vattenfell seeks $6bn Compensation from German Government
Why Vattenfell is taking Germany to court
TTIP benefits and concerns from .gov.uk
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