More on the EU-US trade negotiations this month, known as the TTIP, which are ongoing.

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A few weeks back, I met with the EU’s Chief Negotiator for the trade talks, Mr Ignacio Garcia-Bercero (pictured). We discussed in depth the concerns that have been expressed about the TTIP, in particular the Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) aspects and the impact that any trade deal might have on the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). I made clear to him that Labour believes that the NHS must be exempt from the final TTIP agreement. Mr Garcia-Bercero was helpful and appreciated the concerns and stated that no such provisions are in TTIP. I will certainly monitor this closely to ensure this continues to be the case.

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On ISDS, the European Commission has launched a public consultation on the matter.•Click here for further information. •This consultation is welcome and I hope that the UK Government will take the opportunity to raise concerns that constituents and various organisations have stated about the economic and political risks of ISDS and ensure that there is full transparency.

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TTIP offers real benefits for UK jobs, businesses and consumers but these concerns must be addressed for the trade deal to fully succeed.