HEALTH campaigners in Newton Abbot staged a protest before handing in a petition to MP Anne Marie Morris’ office.

Signs and banners were displayed with messages such as Stop the Sale and NHS out of TTIP (Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership).

Residents are calling on Ms Morris to support their call to get the NHS out of an EU trade deal which threatens irreversible privatisation of the heath service.

Last week, Save Devon NHS delivered a parcel of petitions to Ms Morris’ office.

It was closed, meaning the petitions had to be pushed through the letterbox.

An email has been sent to the MP reiterating the concerns of residents and asking Ms Morris to act on behalf of her constituents.

The TTIP trade deal is being negotiated between the EU and the US.

According to Save Devon NHS TTIP could grant any firm that has American Investors the power to sue the government if it ever attempted to take privatised health services back into public ownership.

A spokesman for Save Devon NHS said: ‘If Anne Marie is serious about her claims that the EU is too interfering then she should demand that David Cameron protects the NHS from the EU trade deal called TTIP.’

Ms Morris said: ‘Clearly ensuring the NHS to the best it can be and free at the point of delivery is vital.

‘I continue to meet and talk to constituents and ministers on the TTIP issue.

‘An appointment had not been made to receive a petition.

‘A further group of constituents have asked for an appointment on this issue and I am meeting with them shortly.

‘Once I have had a chance to listen to all views I will be much better placed to ensure our NHS is properly protected and supported.

‘TTIP is a long-term negotiation which I shall continue to monitor carefully.’

Another petition is expected to be handed in tomorrow at the MP’s constituency office.