​Trade deal could mean NHS privatisation.

Scots are leading the way in opposition to the controversial trade deal TTIP, according to new polls released today.

Nearly 70% of Scottish voters oppose the inclusion of the National Health Service in the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership trade agreement between the European Union and the US.

There are widespread fears that TTIP could lead to the privatisation of the NHS and other public services.

TTIP’s procurement rules could force the NHS to contract out services – and it could also “enshrine” privatisation, making it harder to roll back.

this poll proves the strength of public opposition to this trade deal that puts our NHS at risk

A poll of more than 2,000 Scots, conducted by Survation for campaign organisation 38 Degrees, has been released as David Cameron and President Obama fly to Germany for negotiations on the deal and other issues.

Stewart Kirkpatrick, head of Scotland at 38 Degrees, said: “In our thousands, 38 Degrees members across Scotland are making our voices heard - and this poll proves the strength of public opposition to this trade deal that puts our NHS at risk.

“Our challenge to the candidates in the Scottish election is this: show us that you’re on the side of Scottish people and tell us what concrete action you are going to take to stop this damaging trade deal from harming our health service.”

A separate poll by 38 Degrees for the UK found lower levels of opposition across the UK as a whole (44%), signalling much stronger opposition from Scots.

140,000 38 Degrees members from across the UK have signed an open letter calling on President Obama to stop negotiations of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, a deal that could lead to irreversible privatisation in the NHS.

Michael Bowsher QC, a former chair of the Bar Council’s EU law committee concluded that the TTIP trade deal poses “a real and serious risk” to future UK government decision making regarding the NHS.