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, it has been rejected by those who it will have an impact on as well as those who must enforce it.
The Law now is still as bad as now as when it was first proposed.
There is still hope though. This law is being challenged again, on the 14th of June a group of brave MPs, Julian Huppert, MarkDurkan, 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 that you could start this process is by signing our petition in support of EDM 1913, we would also ask that you write to your MP on this vital issue (a 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.17.2...
Response to Ofcom's Digital Economy Act Consultation
http://www.pirateparty.org.uk/press/releases/2010/jul/31/pirate-party-re...
PPUK statement on Prevent
http://www.pirateparty.org.uk/press/releases/2011/jun/9/prevent-strategy...
PPUK's article on Prevent
http://www.pirateparty.org.uk/blog/2011/jun/10/threat-internet-filtering...
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%9Calarm...
ORG's article on Prevent
http://www.openrightsgroup.org/blog/2011/prevent-strategy-claims:-intern...
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
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
ORG's Digital economy bill: Dangerous and draconian just got dictatorial
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