List MSP speaks out on nuisance calls in Orkney

The distress caused to local people by nuisance calls was highlighted during a Holyrood debate this week, Highlands and Islands MSP, Jamie Halcro Johnston.

Speaking on Thursday, the Scottish Conservative MSP congratulated Which? on their ongoing campaign to end nuisance calls, and encouraged large businesses and the Scottish Government to crack down on cold-callers who are using links with these organisations to contact people.

Mr Halcro Johnston, who is originally from Orkney, noted the particular effect nuisance calls had on vulnerable people and others who may be distressed or intimidated by such calls.

Speaking during the debate, Jamie Halcro Johnston MSP said: “I welcome this opportunity to debate what is an important issue for my constituents in the Highlands and Islands and one which is causing increasing frustration and, in many cases, alarm.”

“Which? research showed 4 in 10 people surveyed were intimidated by the calls. Ofcom’s research showed around 1 in 10 people found the calls distressing. These are naturally the most serious concern.”

Commenting after the debate, he added: “We know that nuisance calls are a regular cause for complaint in Orkney but even more significantly they can be distressing or intimidating for many people.

“While we have seen steps to block these calls, it is clear that there is still more work to be done. The UK Government has announced legislation to tighten regulation and ensure that penalties for people engaged in cold-calling cannot be evaded, and I also welcome the Scottish Government’s recent action plan.

“These calls aren’t just an irritation, they can be persistent and have a real impact on people’s lives. They are not victimless and we need to get on top of this issue to ensure people’s right to live in peace in their own homes is respected.”

Mr Halcro Johnston said he would also be writing to BT to ensure that organisations which that company may be associated with are not using personal details to make sales calls for services that people do not want and may not need.