SIR - In light of Brexit, the Government is rightly pursuing new trade deals with other countries. However, of concern are certain 'types' of deal that some countries, eg the USA, would like to make with us. Theresa May is presently refusing to rule out putting the NHS on the negotiating table. This could see American private healthcare companies taking over parts of the NHS AND gaining new powers to sue the UK government to demand more NHS contracts.
For example, the USA has trade deals like one with Canada which has something called an "investor-state dispute settlement system." This allows private companies to sue governments if their laws would limit the companies' profits. Our government could be sued by companies for the right to run NHS services, even if MPs and the public didn't want this to happen. What price democracy?
A law going through Parliament just now would let the government do trade deals in secret. If you think this is wrong, Google '38degrees' and join the 370,000-plus others who have 'signed' a petition to oppose 'trade deals behind closed doors.' Take back control!
David Hornsby, West View Avenue, Wrose
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here