Consultation on a controversial trade deal between the EU and the US has revealed huge scepticism, it has been revealed.

An unprecedented 150,000 responses were received – over a third from the UK – mainly opposing the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership.

European commission officials said they were surprised at the number of replies, adding it was a matter of concern that so many were negative.

But trade commissioner Cecilia Malmström stressed that any agreement would be good for economic growth and jobs across Europe.

An outline deal is planned for the end of the year, although commission officials admitted there was more work to be done to address concerns.

Campaign groups such as 38 Degrees and trade unions have been warning that TTIP would lead to NHS services being privatised.

European commission officials said 50,000 of the replies came via 38 Degrees, although hundreds of different organisations and thousands of individuals responded.

The consultation was on the inclusion of investor protection provisions, especially an investor-state dispute settlement mechanism, which is designed to protect companies’ foreign investments against harmful or illegal rulings in the countries where they operate.

Many of those responding to the consultation recognised the EU’s efforts to improve the investment protection system, but said the approach was insufficient.

A significant number of unions and other groups stressed the need to strengthen the right to regulate in the public interest.

Further consultations will be held in the coming months with a view to reaching an outline deal by the end of the year, although negotiations on investment have been suspended.

European officials said they could give a complete assurance that nothing would undermine the ability of the UK government to regulate the NHS.

There was said to be broad support for TTIP from all 28 EU governments, with individual nations having to ratify any deal before it comes into force.