PROTESTERS took to the streets of Wotton-under-Edge and Dursley to raise awareness of a “secret” deal with the USA which could “hand more power to big corporations".

The campaigners in both towns joined a national movement led by action group 38 Degrees on Saturday, in which people across the country marched to raise awareness of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership.

Those against the deal say it could lower our environment, food and working standards to dangerous American levels if passed and that it could allow big businesses the privilege of suing the government if British laws dent their profits.

Rebecca Falcon, campaigner at 38 Degrees, said: “This Saturday, 38 Degrees members in the south pushed TTIP, the dangerous trade deal, out of secret negotiating rooms and into the public spotlight.

"If the deal is passed, it could make the government wary of passing laws that put people before profit - for fear of being sued by multinational companies. Imagine if Coca Cola tried to sue the UK for passing a sugar tax.

“People in the south have a right to know that this dodgy deal is being hashed out behind their backs. From the NHS, to schools, to the food on our tables, TTIP could tear up the public services and protections that people fought hard for.

“Saturday’s day of action was all about the people in the south sending a message to corporate lobbyists: we won’t sit back while you re-write the rules of our democracy.”

People in Wotton took to Long Street while those in Dursley gathered in the town centre and spoke to as many people as possible about the dangers of the deal and how it might affect their lives if it isn’t stopped.

They were calling on people to sign the EU-wide petition against TTIP, which will be delivered to politicians in October.

The petition against TTIP has almost reached 2.5 million signatures. It can be found at www.38degrees.org.uk/ttip

38 Degrees is one of the UK's biggest campaigning groups, taking on a range of different campaigns with millions of members across the country. For more information visit home.38degrees.org.uk.