During election periods, many UK households are bombarded with political robocalls and opinion surveys. While some are legitimate, others come from anonymous or foreign sources. These calls can quickly become intrusive — but can landline call blockers really stop them? Here’s how these devices help protect your privacy during campaign season.
Why Do Political Robocalls and Surveys Reach UK Homes?
Unlike in the U.S., automated political calls in the UK are regulated by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), but loopholes still exist. Many campaigns use recorded messages or survey systems to reach as many voters as possible in a short time.
Reasons they persist include:
- Regulatory exceptions: Political parties can contact people for campaigning purposes if they’ve shared contact information or voted previously.
- Cheap technology: Modern VoIP systems make it easy to send thousands of calls automatically.
- International routing: Some calls are generated abroad, making them difficult to trace.
- Public data use: Voter rolls and donation lists help campaigns target specific demographics.
- Unmonitored survey firms: “Independent” pollsters may collect data on behalf of political groups.
Even though these calls aren’t technically illegal, they can quickly feel invasive and repetitive during elections.
Summary: Political robocalls persist in the UK due to legal exceptions, cheap technology, and access to voter data.
Can Landline Call Blockers Stop Political Robocalls and Surveys?
Landline call blockers are one of the best ways to limit unwanted political or survey calls. Devices such as CPR Call Blocker detect and reject automated calls, preventing them from reaching your handset.
How they work:
- Pre-programmed blocking lists: Thousands of known nuisance and automated numbers are already filtered.
- One-touch blocking: If a new campaign or survey number calls, press a single button to stop future calls.
- Anonymous call rejection: Many political or polling calls use hidden numbers — these can be automatically declined.
- Customised settings: Families can whitelist trusted contacts, ensuring only genuine calls go through.
- VoIP compatibility: Many blockers work with both standard landlines and digital home phone systems.
While it’s impossible to block 100% of political calls — especially new or spoofed numbers — the majority can be intercepted before they ring.
Summary: Landline call blockers significantly reduce political robocalls and surveys by automatically filtering known and hidden numbers.
What Else Can You Do to Reduce Political Calls in the UK?
Beyond using a call blocker, there are a few proactive steps to limit unwanted campaign calls:
- Register with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS): It helps reduce unsolicited marketing calls.
- Avoid answering unknown or withheld numbers: Campaigns often redial numbers that respond once.
- Complain to the ICO: Report any pre-recorded or misleading political messages.
- Check privacy preferences: Opt out of political communications when registering to vote if offered.
- Update your call blocker regularly: Keep the device’s scam and nuisance database current, especially before elections.
These steps, combined with a reliable blocker, can dramatically cut down interruptions during political seasons.
Summary: Use a landline call blocker, register with TPS, and report offenders to minimise unwanted political robocalls and surveys.
Conclusion
While political robocalls and surveys are sometimes unavoidable, landline call blockers remain the simplest way to protect your household’s privacy. With built-in blocking databases and one-touch control, you can enjoy peace and quiet — even during election season.
Explore CPR Call Blocker today to take control of your home phone and keep unwanted political calls away.
FAQ:
Q: Are political robocalls legal in the UK?
A: Automated political calls are restricted by the ICO, but some are still allowed if prior consent was given.
Q: Can I block all political survey calls?
A: While not all can be blocked automatically, call blockers greatly reduce the number that reach your phone.
Q: What’s the difference between surveys and campaign calls?
A: Surveys collect opinions, while campaign calls promote a candidate or cause — both can be intrusive.
Q: How can I report political robocalls?
A: File a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) or register your number with the TPS.
