An attempt to push through an unpopular bill while they think nobody is watching. I don't think cutting off somebody's Internet access is the way forward (in relation to the 3 strikes rule that has been talked about). Shall we organise a StaffsLUG protest and march up to Parliament? I think we'd all like to bitchslap Gordon Brown! Adam On 8 April 2010 09:25, Dave Roberts <dave(a)staffslug.org.uk&gt; wrote:

I wrote a letter to my MP. I'll post his reply later. http://benskan.blogspot.com/2010/04/dear-david-kidney-i-am-writing-to-you... On 8 Apr 2010 10:30, "Andrew Edwards" <edwards.andrew(a)gmail.com&gt; wrote: But I imagine there will be some silent voters who are reading this, who want to push us all down the labour route for another hellish term. I agree with the conservative viewpoint, the DEC needs more work and fairer terms. It needs more than a force through when the current government are scared about their seats and public awareness needs to be raised. Lobby your MP and things will get done! Just my two cents ;) A _______________________________________________ Staffslug mailing list Staffslug(a)staffslug.org.u...

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