MEP backs attack on mobile phone roaming charges.

1.57.40pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 9th May 2006

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 today 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 four million residents of her West Midlands Region constituency. 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.

"Communication is vital in the current business world and this legislation to cut costs will be of great help for many companies throughout the West Midlands 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".

If accepted the legislation could become law before next summer.

Ends.