MPs ask for more time to debate Digital Economy Bill

MPs voiced their growing disquiet in the Commons today that there would be insufficient time to properly debate the Digital Economy Bill before the General Election.

The fears are this highly controversial bill, which contains clauses aimed at combating illegal file sharing, will be rushed through in the short wash-up period before the Government is dissolved.

Tory MPs Sir Patrick Cormack and shadow Commons leader Sir George Young urged for a one-day delay before the Easter recess begins in order for MPs to have more time to debate the bill.

Neil Gerrard, Labour MP for Walthamstow, warned the way things were going, with a second reading scheduled for 6 April, MPs would not be able to be able to follow due democratic process.

"It's obvious that we're not going to be able to give the normal scrutiny that we should to the Digital Economy Bill, which is being scheduled for a second reading,” he said.

The concern is not just being voiced by MPs. In its current form the bill allows disconnection for alleged copyright infringement, web blocking and presents a very serious threat to open wireless networks.

A campaign against the bill, organised by The Open Rights Group (Org), attracted around three hundred protesters, including MPs, from around the country last night.

They gathered outside Parliament to warn that pushing the bill through without the appropriate legal scrutiny would lead to the criminalisation of innocent people and prevent them from conducting their lives, work or education online.

Jim Killock, The Org’s executive director, said people were also actively lobbying their MPs or signing up to the 38 Degrees campaigning website.

"Over 17,000 letters have been sent objecting to this Bill being rushed through. This Bill will restrict individual rights and freedoms and punish innocent people by disconnecting them," he said.

"This needs democratic debate; it cannot simply be pushed through during 'wash up'.

“Over 2,000 letters were sent to Harriet Harman, and over 15,000 letters have been sent to MPs asking for a full debate."

In an open letter to music industry body the BPI and Fergal Sharkey, The Org challenges them to “clarify whether you do in fact support full democratic scrutiny of the Digital Economy Bill.”