Pirate Party UK Axe the act

Axe The Act - EDM 1913

The Pirate Party is constantly working hard to protect the rights of citizens across the country. From the outset, we have been vocal critics of the Digital Economy Act. The Act was forced through in the dying days of a discredited parliament and survived a judicial review. It has seen popular opposition and objection from business and it has been rejected by those it will have an impact on as well as those who must enforce it.

The Law now is still as bad as when it was first proposed.

There is, however, still hope. This law is being challenged once again; on the 14th of June a group of brave MPs - Julian Huppert, Mark Durkan, Andrew George, Robert Halfon, Eric Joyce and Tom Watson brought Early Day Motion 1913 to the House. The Motion criticises some of the worst aspects of the bill and presses for a much needed re-examination. We would urge anyone who opposes this legislation, anyone who values freedom of expression and open access to the Internet, to offer their support to these MPs.

We need your help and support now

The Pirate Party certainly supports them, but we need your help. We need you to make your representatives aware that you oppose this legislation, we need your voice to be heard before it is silenced by draconian and ill thought-out legislation.

One way you can start this process is by signing our petition in support of EDM 1913. In adition, we would also ask that you write to your MP on this vital issue (a form letter for you to customise is provided below) and if you want to get even more involved in forcing change we would urge you to join the Pirate Party.

Make your views known

The letter below is an outline that you should customise so that it reflects what you believe. You can find out who your MP is here and, if you do send your letter or an email, please let us know by dropping us a quick email to campaigns@pirateparty.org.uk

This is a sample letter, there are other issues you may wish to bring up. We have provided a number of links at the bottom of this page to help you. Remember, however, that MPs receive a lot of mail so keep it succinct. To get a result, be polite. Don't be afraid to make a follow up 'phone call, you will almost certainly get to speak to one of their staff - but every little piece of pressure will help.

Your Name House
Street
Town
Post Code
Phone Number

16 June 2011

MPs Name
House of Commons,
London,
SW1A 0AA

Dear Mr/Ms/Mrs

I am concerned about The Digital Economy Act and would like you to support Early Day Motion 1913.

Like the UN Special Rapporteur on Free Expression I am alarmed by the Digital Economy Act and its three strike disconnection provisions. They are a threat to freedom of expression, would harm innocent and vulnerable people, and are wholly disproportionate measures.

I believe that the Government must examine the website blocking proposals that are part of the Home Office's Prevent strategy, and sections 3 to 18 of the Digital Economy Act 2011, and because of that hope that you will join your colleagues in supporting this Early Day Motion.

Please do contact me at my address above of you wish to discuss this matter further. If you would like further information on these issues, the links included provide detailed analyses:

The Early Day Motion

http://www.parliament.uk/edm/2010-11/1913

Report UN Special Rapporteur on Free Expression

http://www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/hrcouncil/docs/17session/A.HRC.17.27_en.pdf

Response to Ofcom's Digital Economy Act Consultation

http://www.pirateparty.org.uk/press/releases/2010/jul/31/pirate-party-responds-ofcoms-digital-economy-act-c/

PPUK statement on Prevent

http://www.pirateparty.org.uk/press/releases/2011/jun/9/prevent-strategy-may-undermine-freedoms-it-meant-p/

PPUK's article on Prevent

http://www.pirateparty.org.uk/blog/2011/jun/10/threat-internet-filtering-belong-here-believe-thes/

ORG's Digital economy bill: Dangerous and draconian just got dictatorial

http://www.openrightsgroup.org/blog/2009/digital-economy-bill

ORG's UK’S DEACT is “Alarming” violation of human rights

http://www.openrightsgroup.org/blog/2011/un-says-deact-is-%E2%80%9Calarming%E2%80%9D-violation-of-human-rights

ORG's article on Prevent

http://www.openrightsgroup.org/blog/2011/prevent-strategy-claims:-internet-filtering-is-essential

Yours sincerely

Your Name

Get the word out

We would also encourage you to promote this effort, on twitter, on reddit, on Slashdot, within your local communities and when you go out for a drink. For things to change people need to know what is happening and that starts with you. If you are on twitter please use the #AxeDEAct #DEAc hashtags.

Lastly, a petition on this issue has been made available at Act.ly. Please sign that too.

Resources

The Early Day Motion

Primary SponsorAuthor: Julian Huppert

Sponsors: Mark Durkan, Andrew George, Robert Halfon, Eric Joyce, Tom Watson

Report: UN Special Rapporteur on Free Expression

Response to Ofcom's Digital Economy Act Consultation

PPUK statement on Prevent

PPUK article on Prevent

ORG's Digital economy bill: Dangerous and draconian just got dictatorial

ORG's UK’S DEACT is “Alarming” violation of human rights

ORG's article on Prevent

The Party

The Pirate Party UK is a democratic political party built on grassroots support and the work of volunteers.

We stand for Digital Rights, Civil Liberties and a politics fit for the 21st Century. We want a Britain where all can be part of our shared culture and economy.

We are a party with no parallel in British politics, wholly transparent to the public, accountable to our members and not dependent on external groups for our funding or direction.

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