Transatlantic trade deal threatens democracy
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Version 0 of 1. MEPs were to vote on the controversial Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) on Wednesday but it was postponed at the last minute. More than 200 amendments to the report were proposed, and for this reason Martin Schulz, president of the European parliament, called for it to be sent back to the trade committee for further consideration. Undoubtedly the huge public opposition to TTIP was a major influence on the decision. Greens have long opposed this trade deal as little more than a corporate power grab and certainly not in the public interest. The volume of amendments put forward is an indication of the passion this deal has aroused, the political divisions it has opened up, and the degree of public opposition. Of particular concern is the investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) mechanism, potentially allowing corporations to sue governments over any legislation or actions that threaten their profits. We do not believe corporations should have the right to challenge democratic decisions taken in the public interest which serve to safeguard our health, environment, social and labour standards. This is why Greens tabled an amendment calling explicitly for the exclusion of ISDS from TTIP. A postponement on the opportunity to vote on this critical issue, of such concern to so many people, will not dampen our resolve to safeguard democratic decision-making and hard-fought-for standards.Jean Lambert MEPMolly Scott Cato MEPKeith Taylor MEPGreen party |