INTERNATIONAL Trade Secretary Liam Fox has been accused of “making a mockery of democracy” by publishing a new trade Bill without listening to the public’s concerns.

The Bill, returning negotiation powers to Britain over trade deals with the European Union, was published just hours after a consultation had closed. Global Justice Now said it showed “utter contempt” for the thousands of citizens who had made objections.

Some 60,000 people spoke against the lack of a clear role for MPs in scrutinising deals.