House of Lords passes digital economy bill to Commons The House of Lords last night approved the controversial digital economy bill, moving it a step closer to becoming law The scheme will now be put before MPs, as the government hopes it can pass into the statute books before a general election is called. Despite reservations from critics, the bill includes the contentious rule to cut off internet users who are accused of file sharing three times, and Clause 17, which originally proposed to give the secretary of state the power to update copyright law without parliamentary assent. The Liberal Democrats caused uproar when they proposed a change to the bill apparently aimed at bringing more judicial oversight into the system, which critics say could end up closing websites such as YouTube if they hosted "substantial" amounts of copyright infringing material. The amendment was came under heavy criticism, especially since the language used was the same as a proposal by British music industry body the BPI. The Lib Dems therefore tabled a change to their own amendment in order placate those concerned. However, the Government moved the bill on regardless, saying it would make the changes itself as it goes through the House of Commons to make sure the bill continued to go through parliament quickly. Geoff Taylor, the chief executive of the BPI, one of the groups which have lobbied the hardest for the bill, said: "It is vital for the future of the UK's creative sector that the digital economy bill becomes law before the dissolution of parliament. We are pleased that it has passed successfully through the Lords and will continue to work closely with all parties as it progresses." However, the Earl of Errol was one of critics who was concerned future amendments would not go through parliament. He said: "My concern about the new clause... is that it will not be subject to any amendment, or discussion and then amendment, by either house. We have no idea what it looks like, and it seems to be an abuse of parliamentary process." Source: Guardian Published on: 16/03/2010 16:47:00

House of Lords passes digital economy bill to Commons

The House of Lords last night approved the controversial digital economy bill, moving it a step closer to becoming law

The scheme will now be put before MPs, as the government hopes it can pass into the statute books before a general election is called.

Despite reservations from critics, the bill includes the contentious rule to cut off internet users who are accused of file sharing three times, and Clause 17, which originally proposed to give the secretary of state the power to update copyright law without parliamentary assent.

The Liberal Democrats caused uproar when they proposed a change to the bill apparently aimed at bringing more judicial oversight into the system, which critics say could end up closing websites such as YouTube if they hosted "substantial" amounts of copyright infringing material. The amendment was came under heavy criticism, especially since the language used was the same as a proposal by British music industry body the BPI.

The Lib Dems therefore tabled a change to their own amendment in order placate those concerned. However, the Government moved the bill on regardless, saying it would make the changes itself as it goes through the House of Commons to make sure the bill continued to go through parliament quickly.

Geoff Taylor, the chief executive of the BPI, one of the groups which have lobbied the hardest for the bill, said: "It is vital for the future of the UK's creative sector that the digital economy bill becomes law before the dissolution of parliament. We are pleased that it has passed successfully through the Lords and will continue to work closely with all parties as it progresses."

However, the Earl of Errol was one of critics who was concerned future amendments would not go through parliament. He said: "My concern about the new clause... is that it will not be subject to any amendment, or discussion and then amendment, by either house. We have no idea what it looks like, and it seems to be an abuse of parliamentary process."

Source: Guardian

Published on: 16/03/2010 16:47:00

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