The Digital Economy Bill is to become law

The Digital Economy Bill was passed in the House of Commons by a majority of 189 votes to 47 last night after just over two hours of wrangling.

And, despite the fact that the notorious Clause 18 is no longer present, an amendment to Clause 8 by Culture Secretary Ben Bradshaw means that website blocking -- a measure that has widespread opposition both within and outside of the House -- will still be possible when the Bill becomes law.





The Bill was heard last night as part of the wash-up process in which bills are swept through the House before Parliament is dissolved pre-election. The Second Reading was yesterday and only 5 percent of MPs attended.

Yesterday's debate was a heated affair in which the Liberal Democrats voiced their continued opposition to a Bill that they claim has been rushed through without proper debate. However, despite some MPs voting against their party whips, the Bill has passed and will now get Royal Assent before becoming law.

The naysayers included Labour MPs Kate Hoey, Diane Abbott and Tom Watson -- the latter stating on Twitter: "First time I've ever broken the whip in the chamber. I feel physically sick."

Photographers are claiming a victory after Clause 43 of the Bill, concerning orphan works, was dropped.

However, an amendment made by the Culture Secretary concerning website blocking for alleged copyright infringement was passed. The amendment reads: "The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision about the granting by a court of a blocking injunction in respect of a location on the internet which the court is satisfied has been, is being, or is likely to be used for or in conjunction with an activity that infringes copyright." (For the full wording of the amendment, click here).