IN HER letter of January 21, Green Party candidate Ginnie Shaw espoused the economic benefit of remaining in the EU while simultaneously raising concerns about its ongoing TTIP (Transatlantic Trade Investment Partnership) negotiations with the US.

On the issue of economic benefit, she should know that the UK is running a massive trade deficit with the rest of the EU which will likely exceed £60 billion this year – so we are not getting the best end of the deal.

However, I do share her concern about the TTIP negotiations which, like all actions conducted by the EU Commissariat, are progressing in utmost secrecy.

One of the main aims of TTIP is to open up EU health services to US companies and this will inevitably lead towards the progressive privatisation of our NHS.

TTIP will also bring reduced standards in food and environmental health, hand powers back to the banking fraternity, lead to a loss of jobs across the EU and, most disturbingly, allow transnational corporations to sue governments if their policies cause a loss of profits.

Unbelievable. If the UK remains a member of the EU, we will have to abide by this agreement.

Ken Guest, UKIP PPC York Central, Elvington Lane, York.