UCU comment on BIS select committee's report into transatlantic trade deal

In its report, the influential group of cross-party MPs said there needed to be a detailed government assessment of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) deal, which opponents have said will lead to greater privatisation of public services.

UCU welcomed the report for highlighting the uncertainty which still surrounds the deal, and said it supports the committee's calls for more transparency. The union also said it remains concerned that protections for public services within the deal aren't sufficient to safeguard education against further deregulation.

UCU general secretary, Sally Hunt, said: 'Our own politicians are not convinced about the TTIP deal. The committee is right to highlight the massive uncertainty which still surrounds TTIP and call for more detailed assessments on the benefits and risks so that the impact of the proposals is clear.

'UCU remains unconvinced that public services like education will be sufficiently protected within the deal and the committee's call for increased public scrutiny is very welcome. The next government should review and clearly set out its own position on TTIP, as well as pushing for greater openness in how these trade deals are negotiated.'