Please write to the Lords about the Digital Economy Bill, today
Jim Killock, 01 December 2009
Tomorrow, the Digital Economy Bill is debated by the Lords in its Second Reading.
This is the first serious discussion of the contents of the Bill: so we need to make sure the Lords know that this Bill is currently going to be a disaster for justice and the digital economy.
Only Lords that speak tomorrow will, by convention, take part in the crucial committee stage of the Bill, where we can expect the Lords to make serious changes to the sections on disconnection on accusation and copyright law by diktat.
And we know massive industry lobbying is taking place: we need your help to redress the balance.
That’s why we need you to write to the Lords today: either a random Lord, since we don’t have direct representation, or perhaps a Lord you know from previous work.
Please use the ‘random Lord’ button on write to them. If you like, send your letter to more than one Lord.
My own effort:
FOR THE ATTENTION OF:
Lord Brookman
House of Lords
Tuesday 1 December 2009
David Marsden
41 Ridge Avenue
Winchmore Hill
London
N21 2RJ
david.marsden@enfieldclubhouse.org.uk
Dear Lord Brookman,
Digital Economy Bill: Brief to Lords on Second Reading
I run a small, local charity, which supports people with severe and enduring mental health problems rebuild their confidence and skills in order to return to work, education and meaning full lives in the community.
A major and exciting part of this work is learning how to use computers and the internet as most of my clients do not have access at home. The risk of unlawful downloading by clients, staff, volunteers and other community groups that hire out or use our facilities would be too great to bear as any resulting disconnection would have a catastrophic effect on running the charity itself. Yet, if we were to prevent or discontinue internet use or to attempt to supervise every second of use this too would be counter-productive to our stated aims and ethos of working and totally beyond our very limited resources.
This Bill, if it becomes law in it’s current state, could have serious implications for organisations like mine and have a wholly negative effect on the government’s efforts to promote return to work and social inclusion for disabled people.
Please speak tomorrow in the House of Lords if you share or support any of the views stated above.
Yours sincerely,
David Marsden
Chief Executive
Enfield Clubhouse
www.enfieldclubhouse.org.uk