This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-32810583

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
US ambassador Matthew Barzun defends TTIP deal in Cardiff US ambassador Matthew Barzun defends TTIP deal in Cardiff
(about 1 hour later)
Wales will benefit if a controversial trade agreement between Europe and the United States gets the go ahead, according to the US ambassador. Wales will benefit if a controversial trade agreement between Europe and the United States gets the go-ahead, according to the US ambassador.
On a visit to Cardiff, Matthew Barzun said it was a "big deal" with "big ambitions" that would create jobs.On a visit to Cardiff, Matthew Barzun said it was a "big deal" with "big ambitions" that would create jobs.
Critics of the proposed TTIP deal, claim it will open up the NHS and public services to more privatisation.Critics of the proposed TTIP deal, claim it will open up the NHS and public services to more privatisation.
But Mr Barzun said there was nothing in the deal to stop governments running their health services how they wanted.But Mr Barzun said there was nothing in the deal to stop governments running their health services how they wanted.
He said the controversy surrounding the plans was not surprising given the scale of what was being considered.He said the controversy surrounding the plans was not surprising given the scale of what was being considered.
The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) is supposed to break down barriers including tariffs and regulations between the EU and the US.The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) is supposed to break down barriers including tariffs and regulations between the EU and the US.
Supporters argue that it will reduce the cost of goods for consumers, including clothes, cars, and food as well as creating jobs.Supporters argue that it will reduce the cost of goods for consumers, including clothes, cars, and food as well as creating jobs.
The UK government has said it could be worth £1.5bn to the Welsh economy.The UK government has said it could be worth £1.5bn to the Welsh economy.
Trade to the US is particularly important to Wales.Trade to the US is particularly important to Wales.
It is the top foreign destination for Welsh goods and exports to the US have increased by 400% since 1999.It is the top foreign destination for Welsh goods and exports to the US have increased by 400% since 1999.
Prime Minister David Cameron has promised to put "rocket boosters" behind negotiations on TTIP, arguing that it's central to his vision of a reformed Europe.Prime Minister David Cameron has promised to put "rocket boosters" behind negotiations on TTIP, arguing that it's central to his vision of a reformed Europe.
Business groups including the CBI and the FSB support the deal.Business groups including the CBI and the FSB support the deal.
Critics of TTIP, including trade unions and some charities, warned it puts jobs at risk.Critics of TTIP, including trade unions and some charities, warned it puts jobs at risk.
They also claim efforts to introduce common regulations will mean the EU adopting more relaxed US rules in areas like safety standards, food production and consumer rights.They also claim efforts to introduce common regulations will mean the EU adopting more relaxed US rules in areas like safety standards, food production and consumer rights.
Ambassador Barzun said standards were high on both sides of the Atlantic and American regulations were trusted by Welsh tourists when they visit the USA.Ambassador Barzun said standards were high on both sides of the Atlantic and American regulations were trusted by Welsh tourists when they visit the USA.
TTIP has also been accused of threatening the power of national governments to run their health sectors and other public services in their own way.TTIP has also been accused of threatening the power of national governments to run their health sectors and other public services in their own way.
Trade unions believe the NHS could be forced towards greater privatisation with heavy penalties if any government tries to change that.Trade unions believe the NHS could be forced towards greater privatisation with heavy penalties if any government tries to change that.
The ambassador denied that was part of TTIP.The ambassador denied that was part of TTIP.