No Geoff I’m not suggesting that at all. If the mobile data is activated on your phone then it will incur charges whether or not you specifically use the internet etc. The fact that mobile data is switched on allows the phone and it’s apps , weather, email, news etc etc to automatically update at will - thereby using data becuase of all the passive activity! The only way to avoid this is to turn off your mobile data. So you did indeed have ‘automatic’ activity which is what you’ve been charged for.
You will most definitely NOT be charged for data you have not used. And as for the UK not being part of the EU for roaming - that’s ridiculous. The EU most definitely includes the UK - even for giffgaff !!
I’m pretty sure anyone reading this thread will be loosing the will to live by now… 