Many readers of The Argus will be aware of Peter Mandelson’s attempt to appease the music and film industry and stamp out alleged “illegal downloading”.

This bill is about so much more than just cutting off people who download music and films for free.

It has a tremendous impact on our rights and in a place like Brighton, which is pushing to the forefront of creative media, it will affect us badly.

To recap for those unfamiliar: Any copyright holder alleging illegal downloading can get your broadband cut off, without even proving it in a court of law. There will also be no right of appeal.

And what of those wrongly accused, of which there will be many? Answer: tough. It could also mean some websites will be blocked in this country (although they can’t seem to block nasty illegal porn sites).

It is not illegal to have an unsecured wifi network, yet the Government wants to make you liable, even if someone breaks your password to use your network.

We may even have to say goodbye to free wi-fi in coffeee shops, pubs and the like.

This bill is an abuse – and the way it has been handled is shocking, trying to rush it through with minimal debate. Hardly any MPs turned up to that debate anyway. Out of around 650 MPs only a handful turned up to debate it. The vote was passed by a majority.

To find out out how your MP voted, or if they bothered to turn up, go to the website at www.theyworkforthebpi.com.

My own MP, Celia Barlow, didn’t turn up. I know which way I am voting next month.

Stephen Carlin
Granville Road, Brighton