David Cameron must use his veto to exclude our NHS from TTIP, local MSP Jackie Baillie and MP Gemma Doyle MP have said. 

The Labour MP and MSP reaffirmed their opposition to the controversial trade deal after Scottish Labour leader Jim Murphy became the first party leader to sign the People’s NHS pledge.

Jackie and Gemma signed the pledge calling on the Prime Minister to veto the inclusion of the NHS in TTIP following a meeting with a local Unite the Union activist last year.

The “Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership” has caused controversy because it is feared that it could risk American style privatisation of the NHS.

Scottish Labour believes that the NHS is our most important asset and shouldn’t be open to international competition.

Gemma said:

“We have seen how some private companies in America have responded to the introduction of a limited public health system they have dubbed ‘ObamaCare’. If that’s how they respond to modest reforms in America then we need to make crystal clear that our NHS is beyond the reach of that international money making instinct.

“David Cameron needs to be clear on this -; our NHS must be exempt from TTIP. I hope Nicola Sturgeon and the other Scottish leaders will follow Jim Murphy’s lead and sign this pledge.”

Jackie said:

“Our NHS is far too important to be put at risk by a trade agreement. It must be exempt from TTIP.

“That is why Gemma and I have signed a joint statement calling for our NHS to be protected from TTIP. Jim Murphy has made it clear that Scottish Labour opposes American-style privatisation in our health service. It’s time for the other party leaders to follow his lead and sign the People’s NHS pledge