MEP backs attack on mobile phone roaming charges

5.05.57pm UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 11th May 2006

Liz Lynne at a plenary session of the European Parliament

Lib Dem Euro MP Liz Lynne today welcomed the EU's decision to crack down on excessive mobile phone charges for those travelling abroad from the UK. Draft legislation just released by the European Commission aims at ensuring mobile phone operators charge users significantly less to make and receive calls and text messages while travelling abroad.

Liz Lynne, a member of the European Parliament's Employment and Social Affairs Committee, immediately backed the decision, arguing that it would significantly assist British businesses as well as the residents of the country. She said "This is a significant step in the right direction and will be of great help in helping British business abroad, as a well as holiday and leisure travellers."

Continuing Liz said "Communication is vital in the current business world and this legislation to cut costs will be of great help for many companies who operate abroad. This decision today really shows the European Union working in the interests of the British public. I welcome the assistance for British consumers in finding the best possible tariff for making calls abroad".

Commenting local Lib Dem Councillor, Gordon Seekings, who used to work for Liz Lynne as her Office Manager in the House of Commons when she was the MP for Rochdale, said "It's typical of Liz to support this move. It's common sense and will be of real benefit to many residents of Crawley who work in the airline industry and are literally flying in and out of Europe on a daily basis."

If accepted the legislation could become law before next summer.

Related Link:

Liz Lynne MEP website.