|
Euro MP votes to
reduce European roaming charges in time for summer holidays
LOCAL Euro MP Brian Simpson
has taken part in a vote in the European Parliament that will see
the price of using a mobile phone whilst travelling abroad within
the EU slashed.
From 1 July 2012, charges for calls will be reduced to a maximum of
29 cents per minute and texts will cost no more than 9 cents per
message. Prices will continue to drop and by July 2014 it will cost
no more than 19 cents a minute to call and 6 cents per message to
text.
Brian Simpson MEP said:- "It is about time that we tackled the
ridiculous roaming costs levied on people travelling abroad within
the EU. It shouldn't cost the earth to call Wigan from Warsaw, or
Preston from Paris. Companies have got away with charging far more
than necessary, for no other reason than pure profit. The new rules
will be in place in time to help people going on holiday in other
parts of the EU, and will also help reduce costs for tourists coming
to the North West this summer."
Mr Simpson not only voted to reduce charges for calls and texts, he
also supported a reduction to data roaming costs, which will be
capped at 70 cents per MB from 1 July, falling to 20 cents by 1 July
2014. "More and more people are using phones with
internet facilities, but until now have faced astronomical charges
for downloading whilst abroad. By putting a cap in place, we can
help ensure people aren't surprised by a massive bill for surfing
online."
In addition, the new legislation will include 'bill-shock
protection', so people will receive a warning text if their
phone bill exceeds 50 Euros whilst they are abroad. Mr Simpson
also said:- "Labour MEPs believe that there is no reason for
roaming charges to exist at all, but unfortunately right wing MEPs
have blocked our efforts to get rid of these charges all together. I
know that roaming costs can be a serious problem for constituents
travelling in Europe, and I will continue to campaign for a complete
end to these charges. In the meantime I am delighted that we have
successfully reduced the call tariffs that local people will face
when abroad. Labour Euro MPs are on the side of consumers and we
want to see our constituents fully benefit from EU consumer laws.
Reduced call charges are just a drop in the ocean when it comes to
the countless advantages we can achieve in Europe."
Also adding to the comments was Liberal Democrat MEP for North West
England, Chris Davies who also voted for the new package of cost
cutting measures. Davies said:- "Everyone relies on being able
to use their phones whether they are at home or away on business
trips or on holiday. With the price of everything else increasing it
is good that MEPs have taken action to keep the cost of keeping in
touch down within the borders of the EU. With the proliferation of
iPads and with people needing to access the internet wherever they
go, the new limits on data charges will bring relief from shocking
bills for millions of holidaymakers and travellers. If mobile
providers were prepared to be responsible there would be no need for
this legislation but as long as big companies want to rip off
consumers the EU will step in." |
 |
Lucky number 7
for Southport and the Oddfellows
ONE of the world's oldest and largest
membership organisations is set to return to Southport next week to
hold its annual conference in the town for the seventh time.
More than 500 delegates from the Oddfellows will arrive at the
Southport Theatre and Convention Centre between 19 May and 24 May
2012, as well as guests and visitors from its 120,000 strong
membership base.
The event, which is known to members as the Annual Movable
Conference (AMC), is so called for the fact that it's held in a
different part of the country each year.
Since its inception 190 years ago, the AMC has been held in all four
corners of the UK, from Edinburgh to Exeter, and few towns can claim
to have held it as many times as Southport.
It was first held here in 1882 before returning in 1954, 1968, 1980,
1988 and 2008.
It provides a yearly opportunity for the organisation with 151
branches nationwide to discuss burning issues, agree its future
strategy and, perhaps most importantly, socialise.
This year's week long event will continue the traditions of the
democratic society with elections being held for its board members.
Local members are looking forward to welcoming the AMC back to their
hometown. Bonita Hesketh, branch secretary for Ormskirk and
Southport, said:- "As a society we've got such a strong
history in the town, so it's fitting that we're able to host this
prestigious event once again."
The venue was extensively refurbished 5 years ago as part of a
£40million investment programme.
And the conference theatre doors will be opened to the general
public, on Sunday, 20 May 2012, for a free concert by the
nationally-acclaimed Oddfellows Brass.
This brass band, made up entirely of Oddfellows members, has
performed at the Royal Albert Hall and competes in the elite
championship section; the 'Premier League' of brass
band competitions.
The planned repertoire includes music from Grease, The Great Escape
and The Pirates of the Caribbean, as well as you'll never walk
alone, Lord of the Dance and many more.
Their performances offer something for all ages and are highly
sought after; this is one event not to be missed.
Sunday's free event will also give the people of Southport the
chance to see inside the AMC and understand more about the benefits
the society has to offer.
Bonita added:- "During the week there'll be lots of important
work going on at the heart of the society. But Sunday's event is a
great opportunity for local people to come along and see what makes
the Oddfellows tick, and also hear some good music too." |
