TTIP goes under the spotlight at Leeds discussion 

A special event to discuss The Transatlantic Trade & Investment Partnership was held in Leeds by The Hansard Society this spring.

Senior export adviser with Chamber International, Mike Strawson, was among speakers at the event entitled, The Transatlantic Trade & Investment Partnership: beneficial to our economy or a threat to our democracy? at Leeds Town Hall on March 27.

Other speakers at the discussion, which attracted an audience of more than 60, were: MEP for Yorkshire and the Humber and deputy leader of the Labour MEPs, Richard Corbett; Friends of The Earth campaigner, Sam Lowe; TTIP Adviser, British American Business, Elisabeth Roderburg; and Policy Officer, Global Justice Now, Alex Scrivener.

A wide range of issues were discussed including the alignment of medical standards, greater relaxation of genetically modified crops and controls and standards of vehicles.

Mike Strawson says: “The consensus of the discussion was that there is still a lot to be given on both sides. There is pessimism about a rapid conclusion because of too many entrenched stances.”

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