Euro-MP Calls For A National Emergency Freephone Number
July 12, 2005 2:01 PM
Following reports that relatives seeking information about people missing since Thursday's bomb attack have been charged up to 50p a minute for their call, a Liberal Democrat MEP has suggested a national freephone number be set up for such emergencies.
Cable & Wireless and the Police Information Technology
Organisation were left arguing over who should cover the cost of the bill if a freephone 0800 number was issued. In the end they agreed to a national rate 0870 number which puts most of the cost on the customer.
West Midlands Euro-MP Liz Lynne said:
"When people are worried about relatives following emergencies such as the tragic events in London, the last thing they should be concerned about is the cost of a phone call. The Government not relatives must cover the cost.
"We need a number that is both free and one that people will remember in the event of an emergency. This would not just cover terrorist attacks but any event where there are large numbers of casualties."
On the large evacuation of Birmingham City Centre on Saturday night Liz praised the police and the estimated 20,000 people for reacting so quickly.
"The police had no choice but to evacuate Birmingham on Saturday if they had credible intelligence that people were in danger. I would also praise the large crowd of people who had their Saturday night disrupted for the calm way in which they coped with the evacuation. I fear this is not the last time Police will have to do this but I hope it does not deter people from going to Birmingham."
ENDS
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