A TOTAL of 937 people in Central Devon have signed a petition against a deal with the USA that campaigners say is set to hand more power to big corporations.

Central Devon resident Jenny Norman delivered a copy of the petition to the Central Devon constituency office on October 10, asking Mel Stride to oppose the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) trade deal at any opportunity.

Throughout October, campaigners across the country are aiming to deliver the petition to all UK MPs.

Campaigners say the deal could lower our environment, food and working standards to dangerous American levels if passed.

They say it could also give big businesses the privilege to sue the government in secret courts if British laws dent their profits.

Jenny, a 38 Degrees member, who along with other 38 Degrees members, delivered the petition, said: “Feelings are running high all over Europe about this trade deal as evidenced by a massive protest yesterday by hundreds of thousands of people in Berlin.

“It is important that all MPs hear from local people about how dangerous TTIP is. They have influence over their party, and they’ll have a vote at some point in the future too. For the sake of our healthcare, environment and food in Central Devon, our MP needs to listen to us.”

Amy Lockwood, campaigns manager at 38 Degrees said: “TTIP is bad news for the UK. It puts our public services at risk, threatens to lower our food and safety standards, and will give corporations sweeping new powers to sue our government.

“Luckily millions of people across Europe are coming together to speak out against this dodgy trade deal - and now it’s time for our politicians to respond. MPs need to hear from local people just how dangerous this deal is.

“That’s why hundreds of 38 Degrees members are meeting their MPs throughout October to deliver the petition straight to them and ask for them to oppose the deal at any opportunity. ”