Mobile roaming charges would be 'limited' in event of no-deal Brexit, government insists

But minister stops short of committing to full ban on reintroduction of fees for Britons using their devices in Europe

The government would put a "limit" on the reintroduction of roaming charges in the event of a no-deal Brexit, Dominic Raab has said amid conflicting reports over whether British consumers will continue to enjoy the benefit outside the EU.

The Brexit secretary said two firms – Vodafone and Three – had publicly committed not to introduce the charges and he hoped other providers would follow suit.

"But in any event we would legislate for a limit on roaming charges to make sure in a no-deal scenario we would protect British consumers,” he told the BBC.

“We’ve had some good news from businesses, like Vodafone and Three, they’ve publicly said they won’t introduce roaming fees for UK consumers travelling on the continent."

However he stopped short of saying ministers would push for an outright ban on the reintroduction of extra costs for Britons using their phones on the continent.

All extra charges for phone calls, texts and internet use on mobile phones within the EU were eliminated in June 2017.

O2 and EE have both said they currently have no plans to change their roaming services across Europe and are working closely with the government on post-Brexit arrangements.

Mr Raab's remarks came as the government was releasing a new raft of technical papers expected to focus on how a no-deal Brexit would impact on areas including the environment and transport.

There has been speculation that leaving the EU without a solid agreement could see the return of levies for using mobile devices on the continent.

Mobile phone companies have been urged not to introduce (AP)

The pro-Europe Best for Britain campaign said the re-imposition of roaming charges could cost business people visiting the EU up to £778 a month.

Mr Raab called on "our EU friends to match the ambition and pragmatism we have demonstrated" in order to avoid a no-deal scenario.

He also said one of the consequences of failing to reach an agreement was that the UK would refuse to pay the so-called divorce settlement.

He told the BBC the UK would "recognise our strict legal obligations" but that the amount paid would be "significantly, substantially lower" than the £39bn.