MPS should reject a “toxic” trade deal between the EU and Canada that would threaten Parliament’s rights to decide laws and policies in the public’s interest, campaigners say.

MPs are due to discuss the Comprehensive Economic & Trade Agreement (Ceta), which could introduce a system of secret “corporate courts” that would give big business the power to sue governments over policies they say could affect their profits.

Ceta entered into force provisionally last September, but parliaments in EU countries need to approve the deal before it can take full effect.

In a joint statement, Trade Justice Movement director Ruth Bergan said Ceta will affect all areas of life.

“Tabling a vote on it now is a travesty of democracy. There has been no proper process in the UK for public engagement, and MPs have not had sufficient input,” she said.

“A vote in favour would leave us with a template trade deal before we have even sorted out the basic principles for UK trade policy.”

Campaigners say that, like TTIP, the proposed US-EU deal, Ceta would weaken social, health and environmental standards.

War on Want executive director Asad Rehman said Ceta “will be a nail in the coffin of British democracy.”

“Our message to MPs is clear: vote No to Ceta. Do it for our public services, for our economy, so we can eat safe food and breathe clean air. That’s what it means to take back control,” he said.

His statement also pointed out that Ceta could make it impossible to renationalise private services such as utilities and railways.

Global Justice Now director Nick Dearden said: “Secret talks, corporate courts, and almost no scrutiny in Parliament: Ceta is exactly the kind of trade deal [Trade Secretary] Liam Fox would love to sign after Brexit.

“MPs should seize the chance to make this PR stunt backfire: Reject Ceta and demand the automatic right to vote on trade deals in future. Otherwise it could be the last trade deal they ever vote on.”

Campaigners hope that rejecting the deal would allow MPs to develop an alternative based on transparency, democracy and fairness.

The statement has also been signed by Unison, GMB, SumOfUs, Trade Justice Scotland, Friends of the Earth, Banana Link, Labour Behind the Label and the National Justice & Peace Network.

At least 6,000 people have written to MPs in just two weeks to urge them to reject the deal, according to the Trade Justice Movement.