Digital Economy Bill to be rushed through Parliament
The controversial Digital Economy Bill is set to be rushed through Parliament on 6 April, the same day as Gordon Brown is expected to dissolve parliament ahead of the general election. The bill is likely to come under what is known as the "wash up" period leading up to an election during which time bills can be "nodded through" parliament by the whips on either side of the house. So what does this mean?
In simple terms the UK government is pushing through the Digital Economy Bill at the last minute, and with indecent haste in the view of many, to ensure it is brought into law before the election. The "wash up" period does not allow for any additions and simply allows deletion is to be made to the bill if required - indeed MPs will not even be allowed to debate the controversial elements of the bill on its second reading.
It is unclear as to why the UK government is so adamant that the Digital Economy Bill needs to be pushed through parliament ahead of the election and without, in the view of many, the debate that the bill appears to be demanding. There are many different areas of the bill which are attracting controversy including the protection of copyright content on the Internet, new laws passed to the courts and the lack of an appeal process for those who are banned from using the Internet. No doubt we will hear more about the Digital Economy Bill after it has been signed and it is too late to change!
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