STAYING CONNECTED A BENEFIT OF EU MEMBERSHIP

The SNP is today welcoming the announcement that the abolition of data roaming charges across the EU is today a step closer. 

Following a deal between the European Commission, the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers, it is likely that data roaming charges will end in Europe starting from June 2017. This will help to open up internet access to EU citizens travelling between member states. 
 
During the independence referendum campaign, the No camp claimed that with independence Scots would face roaming charges for using mobile phones in the rUK. However, it soon emerged that plans to put in place a process of abolishing roaming charges across the EU were already underway. 
 
Commenting on the announcement, SNP MSP Christina McKelvie, who is convener of the Scottish Parliament’s Europe Committee, said: 
 
“News that a deal has been reached on this issue is very positive indeed. The abolition of data roaming charges will help to open up internet access to EU citizens travelling between member states, ensuring people across the EU can stay connected.
 
“Being able to enjoy the same data conditions at home and in Europe is an undoubted benefit of being part of the European Union. 
 
"As long as the Tories insist on gambling people's jobs on their obsession with a referendum on ripping us out of Europe, the SNP will continue to make the positive case in favour of EU membership. 
 
“And the SNP’s plan for a 'double majority’ will ensure Scotland - or any other UK nation - cannot be dragged out of the EU against its will. The opposition parties must back this common-sense amendment to ensure the democratic will of the Scottish people is respected.”