Helen Goodman MP, Labour’s Shadow Communications Minister, responding to the announcement on a cap on the cost of bills from stolen mobile phones, said:

“Once again, this out-of-touch Government is showing they can’t tackle their cost of living crisis. By relying on a voluntary approach they are not giving strong enough protection to consumers, who too often face phone rip-offs.

“Labour has clear plans that the Government should implement now.

“Caps on charges run up on stolen phones should be fixed at £50. The companies should also be required to give people warnings when reaching limits on texts and phone call and concrete steps should be taken on the recycling of handsets.

“Existing fixed contracts should be fixed – introducing ‘fixed means fixed’ from January will fail most mobile users.”