Let's consider the ongoing controversy over the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP). Local authorities have been taking increasing notice of what could be seen as an obscure and difficult trade negotiation which will have little impact on them.

But that is not at all the case. If you support TTIP or are firmly against it – you would have to say it is relevant to how local government here does its business, how services are procured, regulated and delivered for example.