MPs to debate fines for long call wait times in parliament

MPs to debate fines for long call wait times in parliament thanks to our Pick Up or Pay Up campaign

Our Pick Up or Pay Up campaign is set to be debated in Parliament as support grows among MPs.

We are calling for consumer protection laws to be updated so big businesses will be fined if they do not answer the phone in ten minutes.

We asked readers to write to their MPs to voice their support for the campaign. And now Robert Halfon, Conservative MP for Harlow, has applied for a backbench debate.

Debate: We are calling for consumer protection laws to be updated so big businesses will be fined if they do not answer the phone within ten minutes

Mr Halfon says: ‘Multi-million pound companies are taking their customers for a ride. Only with a change in the law will these big businesses wake up and realise that their job is to serve the paying customer. 

I am applying for a backbench debate to consider this important problem and I urge readers to get in touch with their MP and ask them to support my debate.’

It comes after ministers in Spain last week approved a new consumer law to fine big companies up to £85,000 if they do not answer their phone lines within three minutes.

It will apply to firms with more than 250 staff that make more than €50 million (£43 million) a year.

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