THE UK Government is being urged to rethink its decision not to follow the EU in bringing in a common charger for electrical devices.
SNP MP Alyn Smith, the party’s spokesperson on international affairs, said the move would save consumers millions and help the environment by reducing waste.
He has written to Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng asking why the Westminster government ruled it out.
Smith, who is also a former MEP, said: “This is another example of where the EU adds real value, and why Scotland must become an independent country inside the EU.
“Right now we are missing out on green policies such as this because we were dragged out of the EU against our will.
“Independence is now the only route back to the EU for Scotland, after both Labour and the Tories at Westminster ruled out ever re-joining."
The UK Government has said it is not “currently considering” following the lead of the EU, which has agreed new rules which mean all smartphones sold in the bloc will be required to have a USB-C port for charging by autumn 2024.
The EU says this will save consumers up to £213million a year on charger purchases and cut 11,000 tonnes of waste annually.
Tech giant Apple – which has the only major smartphone not to already use the connection – has previously criticised the move arguing it will stifle innovation.
Smith added: “Bringing in a common electrical device charger will save consumers millions, raise common standards, and save resources across the EU.
“This is the sort of collaborative working and that would help Scotland to reach its net-zero goals, something we are not getting from the Westminster government. Indeed, many of their policies are actively working against the Scottish Government’s goals.
“I am urging the UK Government to follow suit and legislate to bring in a common electrical device charger for the UK to work towards reducing waste and saving our planet.”
