Last night, Mark was one of the 47 MPs who voted against the Government on the Digital Economy Bill which had aroused widespread opposition to clauses aimed at cutting illegal file sharing by restricting access to the internet and site blocking.

To read what was said in the debate click here.

Mark commented:

“There is a need to cut large scale illegal file sharing when it is done for commercial gain as it threatens the emergence of new creative talent which depends on the royalties. However, I was concerned that the clauses could criminalise people who simply want to share music or other online content with friends.

“The Bill initially had the enthusiastic backing of the Conservatives, Liberal Democrats and the SNP. As it was many of the rebels came from Labour ranks as the Conservatives and SNP backed the Bill and most of the Liberal Democrats failed to turn up to vote.

“This bill was subject to considerable scrutiny in the House of Lords but not by democratically elected representatives in the Commons and I voted against the Bill because I felt that such complex legislation needed much more debate than would be possible in the short time before Parliament is dissolved.”

Mark also recently signed a motion in Parliament calling for inter-governmental negotiations taking place on counterfeiting to be made public. These would also apply to the internet and there has been concern about the implications that any agreement might have for civil liberties. To see this, click here.

One of the most controversial parts of the Bill was withdrawn by the Government. This was Clause 18, which was introduced by the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats and would have blocked access to sites for those suspected of illegal file sharing. The Government introduced alternative proposals which will only be implemented after further debate in Parliament and approval by MPs.

There has been much criticism of MPs in the course of the last year but the debate brought out the vital need for proper scrutiny of legislation by MPs. Those who like Mark voted against the Bill play an important role in ensuring their constituents’ views are heard in Parliament and airing dissenting opinions – one of the virtues of the internet as well.

UPDATE 25 OCTOBER 2010

COALITION POLICY ON THE DIGITAL ECONOMY

Mark has raised once again the concern that people locally feel about the Act with the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills.

The new Coalition Government has said that it is not going to repeal the Act. You can read the most recent reply that Mark received from the Minister responsible by clicking here.