Digital Economy Bill Passes 3rd Reading

07 Apr 2010 | 12.47 Europe/London

Yesterday the Digital Economy Bill passed its second reading without a formal vote. The afternoon and evening was taken with a couple of dozen MPs debating various elements of the Bill with many sensible views expressed. Nobody dissented to its forward passage in the verbal vote. The position taken by the Government during the debate was that "something has to be done" about unlawful digital copyright breaches and downloading.

Later today the Bill should pass to its Committee Stage, however it is timetabled to follow the Finance Bill (implementing Budget measures) and all business has to be concluded today - so anything can happen. Watch this space.

Update 20:50 - the Finance Bill completes, minus Clause 23 which would have introduced the 50p/month land line levy. Stephen Timms is on his feet discussing the Digital Economy Bill's committee stage, Clause 1 just fell at the vote.....

Update 21:40 - Labour backbenchers have come out of the wood panelling to challenge the anti-piracy clauses, led by Tom Watson (Lab). Several taking a stance that P2P piracy by kids is OK and only piracy for profit is an issue. Seems to contradict the general opinion that flooding a market with free goods affects the ability of the rights holder to sell goods into that market.

Update 22:47 - first division to vote on Clause 18, which relates to blocking of web sites. Clause 18 rejected. Bulk of anti-piracy measures in Clauses 11-17 stand. Clause 43 (controversial with photographers) defeated. Committee stage concluded.

23:13 - Vote 189 : 47 carries the Bill forward - passed. Labour cabinet members in evidence.

Carolyn says:

Pleased the 50p tax has been stalled, as a pensioner don't feel I should have to subsidise diigital Britain whilst attempting to survive on a english pension - it sure aint generous!!! No doubt it will raise it's head again if the present shower get in again though.

13 Apr 2010 | 22.09 Europe/London