HEALTH campaigners in Pembrokeshire have again called on local MP Stephen Crabb to support a campaign to protect the NHS from privatisation.

Members of the People's NHS Wales pressure group protested outside the Preseli-Pembrokeshire MP's office on Friday, against an EU trade deal which they say 'threatens local services with irreversible privatisation'.

More than 2.5million people have signed a Europe-wide petition calling on the EU and its members to stop the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP).

Designed to 'ease the flow of goods and services across the Atlantic', the TTIP pact seeks to create the world's largest free trade zone, but there are concerns that it could pose a threat to services such as health care.

A senior UN official recently called for controversial trade talks between the European Union and the US to be suspended over fears that it could undermine human rights, by allowing corporations to bypass laws set by government.

Angela Newman, from the People’s NHS Wales, said: “The people of the Pembrokeshire are sending Stephen Crabb a clear message that we do not believe it is right for the NHS to be part of an EU trade deal which threatens irreversible privatisation.

"Pembrokeshire households are taking part in this unprecedented nationwide movement to demand David Cameron use the UK’s veto to get the NHS out of TTIP.

"It’s time for Mr Crabb to start listening to his constituents and support our campaign to safeguard the NHS from this trade deal."

Hundreds of local households have also shown their support for the campaign by erecting 'estate agency-style boards' outside their home, calling for 'NHS out of TTIP'.

Preseli-Pembrokeshire is the latest constituency to join the movement, which has brought together many thousands of people across the country.

To sign the petition, visit http://speakout.38degrees.org.uk/campaigns/218.