Dear Editor,

Contrary to popular belief, the EU sometimes passes helpful legislation.

On the back of the decision to ban mobile phone roaming charges, this week the European Parliament approved a directive that should be a great help when we buy insurance.

The Insurance Distribution Directive may sound dreadfully boring, but it means people will mean get far more information and transparency when they are choosing a policy or provider.

I supported it, along with other Conservative MEPs, because it stipulates that improved information must be supplied about the price and costs of products.

Customers must also be told whether the person or organisation selling them insurance has an financial incentive such as commission. That way an informed decision can be made.

We all know that choosing car insurance, for example, can be mind-boggling because of the range of cover and prices, not to mention occasional hidden costs.

Now consumers should know exactly what they are getting and how much they are paying for it.

I am not saying the EU is all good - just that it’s not all bad.

Anthea McIntyre MEP,

Ross