McArthur backs nuisance calls campaign

Orkney MSP Liam McArthur has backed a new campaign, which aims to tackle nuisance calls in Scotland.

The campaign is being led by the consumer rights charity, Which?, who are calling on MSPs, Scottish businesses and regulators to ensure the Scottish Government’s action plan tackles the problem of nuisance calls in Scotland.

Mr McArthur joined Which? this week in Parliament as the consumer rights charity published research revealing that seven in ten Scots said that receiving cold calls discouraged them from picking up their phone when it rings.

The Orkney MSP said: “Having led a debate on the issue at Holyrood and been a strong supporter of the campaign over many years, I certainly welcome this new assault on nuisance calls led by Which?. These calls are, quite simply, a menace that preys on the most vulnerable.

“Moreover, statistics revealing that seven in ten Scots are discouraged from picking up their phone because of nuisance calls is yet further evidence these calls increase isolation — all the more concerning for people living in island and rural communities.

“Despite various initiatives over the years, this harassment requires further, urgent action. That is why I continue to call for legislation to make accurate Caller Line Identification mandatory. Not only would this allow people to screen calls, but also to report companies guilty of wrong doing.”