Dumfries and Galloway MP Richard Arkless has today met with Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis, to discuss the new All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) that Mr Arkless has established to focus solely on Consumer Protection issues.
Martin Lewis is an award winning financial journalist, TV presenter and author who founded the popular website MoneySavingExpert.com He has long been a champion of consumer rights and has campaigned successfully against unfair bank charges, energy bills and Payment Protection Insurance (PPI). Mr Arkless said that his involvement in the Consumer Protection APPG would be ‘invaluable going forward’.
Mr Arkless added:
“Martin Lewis is the UK’s go to guy for all Consumer Protection issues – the work he has already done in this area has literally put millions of pounds back into peoples pockets so I was delighted that he was able to meet with me this morning to discuss my new APPG.
“There is always a lot going on in issues relating to Consumer Protection but now is a time of particular concern. With the fall out of Brexit still being quantified, I am more determined than ever to make sure Consumers do not unnecessarily face any additional costs or penalties at this uncertain time.”
Mr Arkless has a background as a consumer lawyer and has recently played a key role in the APPG investigating the Sottish Power Cash Back scandal.
He continued:
“Often raising the profile of a consumer protection issue at a high level and receiving media coverage is enough to achieve some movement from large organisations but in other instances, a much more detailed and litigious approach is required. As a former consumer lawyer I am very well placed to form this APPG and with Martin’s support I am confident that we can achieve many positive outcomes for consumers.”
“I was delighted this morning to hear how keen Martin was to be involved in the APPG and I have requested that he do so in a formal capacity – every group needs secretariat help so I’ve asked him if he would consider taking on this role – he’s assured me that he would try and make it happen.
“I am very excited about all that we can achieve with this new APPG.”
