- A reader's view on the Trade Bill.
Parliament has just voted to tie its own hands on future trade deals.
In a vote on the Trade Bill, MPs voted to drop an amendment that would have guaranteed them a vote on trade deals.
It is disgraceful that our MP, Simon Fell, was one of those who voted to drop this democratic procedure.
The dangers of high-risk trade deals, such as one with the US or the Trans-Pacific Partnership are real. They could undermine food standards, raise medicine prices for the NHS, affect the way public services are run, and impact workers’ rights. And at a time when we are facing a climate emergency, they could also block climate action.
Usually in domestic law, parliament would get a vote on issues like this. But trade deals, as international treaties, can effectively override this, which is why it was so important that parliament also got a vote on the trade deals themselves.
This vote was a dereliction of duty by most Conservative and DUP MPs and a power-grab by the government.
PAUL RUMNEY
Askam
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 The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.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