“Ministers Must Act on Mobile Phone Masts” – DAVEY

26.1.05

The Government have come in for heavy criticism following the publication of Sir William Stewart’s second report on mobile phones and base stations. This report calls for a precautionary approach and Edward Davey, Liberal Democrat MP for Kingston and Surbiton, is calling on the Government to face up to the concerns over planning of mobile phone masts and support research into the real risks of mobile phone masts.

The report also recommended that improvements should be made in the availability of information about mobile phones and masts to the public and that the planning process for the erection of base stations, which has caused widespread concern, should be subject to independent review.

Commenting, Edward Davey MP said,

“It is time the Government stopped burying its head in the sand and faced up to the potential risks posed by these phone masts. Local authorities should be given more power to deal with an issue which is of great local concern.

“At the moment, many masts do not require planning permission at all and where they do companies often steamroll over consultation and objections.

“This is nonsense and must change. The Government must acknowledge that this is an issue for public consultation. Furthermore, proper solid research needs to be done to establish exactly what threat mobile phone masts pose to people.”

Phil Willis MP, Liberal Democrat Chair of the All Party Mobile Communications Group, commented

"Sir William Stewart's appeal to the Government to take a precautionary approach to the use of mobile phones and the siting of masts have so far fallen on deaf ears.

"There is an urgent need for Government supported research into the biological effects of phones and masts and for a more rigorous education programme for consumers. Tax breaks for companies that provide mobile phones to employees and their families should be ended and the use of safe, fixed phones encouraged until more research is concluded.”