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28/07/2022
Cross-Party Support For Consumer Protection Law Review
The DUP has secured cross-party support for consumer protection laws to be updated to force big businesses to answer their phones within ten minutes or to face fines.
DUP North Antrim MP Ian Paisley helped organise an event in Parliament last week in conjunction with the Daily Mail which saw more than 30 MPs pledge their support. The support means the threshold has been exceeded for a backbench debate in the House of Commons on the issue and how a new law would work.
Mr Paisley said: "This is an essential campaign that can help the lives of millions of consumers across the United Kingdom. It is aimed at bringing pressure on big corporations who take customers for granted.
"Utility and service providers have a duty to their customers and too many are simply unable to get through to them. When attempting to contact some of the big energy providers, airlines or other firms you can be faced with waits of 30 minutes or more. That simply isn't acceptable.
"Updating the Consumer Rights Act 2015 can give regulators of these businesses the power to fine firms who do not provide adequate customer services and have phone lines that are answered within 10 minutes.
"It is very welcome that there has been support from MPs from across the House of Commons and from all parts of the UK for this. It is an issue that affects everyone and where a relatively simple measure can make a significant difference to people’s lives and how they interact with these big businesses."
DUP North Antrim MP Ian Paisley helped organise an event in Parliament last week in conjunction with the Daily Mail which saw more than 30 MPs pledge their support. The support means the threshold has been exceeded for a backbench debate in the House of Commons on the issue and how a new law would work.
Mr Paisley said: "This is an essential campaign that can help the lives of millions of consumers across the United Kingdom. It is aimed at bringing pressure on big corporations who take customers for granted.
"Utility and service providers have a duty to their customers and too many are simply unable to get through to them. When attempting to contact some of the big energy providers, airlines or other firms you can be faced with waits of 30 minutes or more. That simply isn't acceptable.
"Updating the Consumer Rights Act 2015 can give regulators of these businesses the power to fine firms who do not provide adequate customer services and have phone lines that are answered within 10 minutes.
"It is very welcome that there has been support from MPs from across the House of Commons and from all parts of the UK for this. It is an issue that affects everyone and where a relatively simple measure can make a significant difference to people’s lives and how they interact with these big businesses."
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy. Also mainly dry at first this evening but then occasional outbreaks of rain developing overnight. Light southwest winds, and staying mild. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
