Government 
‘not trusted 
over NHS’

A further one in four said their trust had fallen over the past year, a survey of more than 2,000 adults for campaign group 38 Degrees showed.

The research was published ahead of a protest tomorrow against a trade deal being negotiated between the European Union and the United States.

Unions and campaign groups claim the deal – the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership – would lead to health services being opened up to competition from US private healthcare providers.

Blanche Jones, campaign director at 38 Degrees, said: “It’s no surprise that the public is worried about the fate of their local GPs and hospitals. Our NHS is being used as a bargaining chip in a deal done behind closed doors.

“Most of us only need to take one look at American healthcare to know that that isn’t what we want in this country. That’s why thousands of 38 Degrees members will be taking to the streets this Saturday to spread the word about this new threat to our NHS.”

The Government has denied the claims from campaigners, insisting the trade deal would generate new jobs and be a boost for business.