I HAVE received literally thousands of emails and letters from members of the public about the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP).

Without a single exception, my correspondents have raised concerns about this proposed trade deal between the European union and the US.

I share most of these concerns. I am concerned about the potential threat to our NHS, to other public services, that our government could be overruled in lawsuits from private investors, and that small businesses may not get a level playing field.

I support the principle of free trade but what is on the table is not really a free trade agreement; it is a corporatist trade agreement.

After much consideration I have therefore come to the conclusion that I must vote “no” to TTIP in the European Parliament on Wednesday.

My constituents can be assured that I will, however, be supporting amendments tabled by Ukip and others to mitigate the worst aspects of TTIP, should it eventually come into force.

Jonathan Arnott, Ukip North-East MEP