WORCESTER'S parliamentary candidates have clashed over a controversial emerging trade deal - with Conservative Robin Walker saying it would have "enormous benefits for Britain".

The city's General Election hopefuls were asked during a hustings debate to make clear their views on the the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP), a deal being struck between the US and EU on trade.

The negotiations are being carried out in private, leading to the Green Party and other left wing groups to suggest it would see more privatisation.

But its backers, including the Conservatives and Labour, insist it would open up trade by removing current barriers, which would see business growth rocket.

Mr Walker said: "This has the potential to unleash enormous growth, we shouldn't just write it off because it has a scary acronym or is being led by Europe."

UKIP candidate James Goad said: "TTIP seems to be something which could bring many benefits to Britain, but it's a double-edge sword.

"Ultimately, I think we need to be suspicious of it."

Green Party candidate Louis Stephen severely criticised it, saying people should "stand up and be counted" against it.

"I have grave concerns about what this means and the fact it's being done in private should concern us all," he said.