Trade talks with the US have already started

I am shocked that in the middle of a global pandemic, secret trade talks between the UK and the US have resumed.

Coronavirus has shown how vulnerable we are, and a trade deal with the US would be more dangerous now than ever. It will affect us here in Hastings because:

1. It will weaken public services like the NHS, and drive up medicine prices

2. It will lower animal welfare and environmental standards, increasing the risk of future transmission of new viruses from animals to humans

3. It will tie the hands of the UK government when they need the freedom to deliver a green recovery and protect jobs.

The pandemic has changed our lives and we can’t just keep going with business as usual. Instead we need trade that puts people and planet first.

A message from the Editor, Gary Shipton: In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news, I am asking you to please purchase a copy of our newspapers.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspapers.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

Stay safe, and best wishes.