PENDLE-based MEP Sajjad Karim is backing plans to clamp down on exorbitant mobile phone charges for Britons abroad.

Mr Karim, who is Liberal Democrat spokesperson on international trade, has welcomed European Commission action against telecom companies over the prices charged for using mobile phones abroad.

The Nelson solicitor and MEP said: "Liberal Democrat research reveals a difference of up to 213% between the amounts charged by two different operators for receiving calls abroad. A UK tourist in Spain could pay anything between 30p a minute on Orange Anytime 120 to a whopping 94p a minute on O2 Pay Monthly.

"Considering the booming telecommunications service in Europe, that UK mobile phone users abroad are being stung in this way is astounding. The upshot of these massive variations is a consumer lottery rather than effective competition.

"As an MEP, I need to travel to France or Belgium weekly and to avoid extortionate charges, I have been forced to buy local SIM cards. Three telephone numbers for one man, who needs to be constantly in touch with colleagues and constituents, seems ludicrous in our so-called globalised' world.

"It's outrageous that holidaymakers and businessmen are treated like money-spinners by these fat-cat telecom operators"

The Commission has drawn up a number of options to force down prices and Mr Karim hopes it could mean an end to rip-off charging within a year.