PROTESTORS took to the streets of Worcester to make their voices heard over an international trade agreement.

Supporters of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership – also known as TTIP – say it will boost the economies of both the European Union and the USA, but critics have claimed it will increase the power of corporations and make it difficult for governments to regulate markets.

A group of protestors staged a rally against the plans outside the Guildhall on Saturday, August 22.

Among them was Worcester City Council member for St Stephens Cllr Neil Laurenson, who said: “Most people I spoke with had not even heard of TTIP, so it was good to raise awareness.

“I urge more people to read about TTIP and make councillors and their MP aware of their opposition.

“TTIP is designed to benefit corporations not the public, and it would seriously undermine our democracy.”

Although Cllr Laurenson proposed a motion at a city council meeting in February calling on then-managing director Duncan Sharkey to write to Business Secretary Sajid Javid hitting out at the perceived secrecy of talks around the TTIP, the motion was lost.