Digital economy bill lurches towards statute book

Wednesday, 07, Apr 2010 04:38

By Matthew Champion.

The government's attempts to rush through the controversial digital economy bill came in for fierce criticism from MPs last night as the bill passed its second reading in the Commons.

Parliament entered its wash-up period yesterday when Gordon Brown announced the date of the general election on May 6th, sparking a mad dash to get bills passed before parliament is dissolved next Monday.

The digital economy bill is set to give Ofcom powers to cut off the internet connections of households which frequently share video and audio files, with campaigners saying the move caves into music and film industry demands, puts internet service providers in a policing role and infringes internet users' civil liberties.

Last night shadow culture secretary Jeremy Hunt gave the bill reluctant support but insisted the Conservatives would reassess any "flawed" legislation in the event of a general election victory.

Longstanding Tory MP John Redwood was among those critical of the government's attempt to get the bill passed before parliament dissolves.

"I think it is a disgrace this House is not treated with courtesy by this government," Mr Redwood said.

"It is a disgrace there is an effort to rush through all parts of this bill without debate."

The Creative Coalition Campaign (CCC) took out a full-page newspaper advert on Tuesday calling on MPs to support the bill, saying file-sharing threatens creative industries.

But Open Rights Group (ORG) and digital campaigners 38 Degrees have taken out their own advert, demanding proper debate on such a crucial piece of legislation.

Today MPs will have one hour to amend the bill in the committee stage before it is put to a vote on its third reading.

Mr Hunt has already said the Tories hope to remove clauses giving Ofcom more power, replacing ITV's regional news bulletins with independently produced alternatives and current provisions on orphan works.