Re: [Staffslug] Digital Bill

On 8 April 2010 09:25, Dave Roberts <dave(a)staffslug.org.uk&gt; wrote: Personally, I think it's a terrible piece of legislation, for a number of reasons, not least of which is that it simply won't work. I wrote to my MP (Joan Walley, Labour) about it a while ago. Her response is copied below. Russ ----------------------------------------------------------- Dear Mr Phillips Thank you for your recent correspondence regarding the Digital Economy Bill. As you are aware, a provision in the Digital Economy Bill allows for people who impinge copyright by illegally downloading material to be disconnected from the internet. The most common example of this would be people illegally downloading music. Whilst disconnecting illegal downloaders may seem harsh, it is worth pointing out that if we are to maintain our vibrant music industry musicians must be able to make a living from their music. For this reason, the provision is supported by both UK Music and the Musicians Union. That said, the Bill is scheduled to have its second reading in the House of Commons on the 6th April and this will give MPs the chance to debate the Bill. It is also worth pointing out that the Bill has already passed through the House of Lords where it was scrutinised in detail. For my part, I will try to attend the second reading debate to make sure that your concerns are heard. Yours sincerely Joan Walley MP