Bridget leads Liberal Democrat defence of internet freedom

6.18.46pm GMT Sun 14th Mar 2010

Bridget speaking up for internet freedom

Bridget Fox, Islington South & Finsbury's Liberal Democrat prospective MP, set the agenda at the party's Birmingham conference today, when her emergency motion on Freedom, Creativity and the Internet was overwhelmingly passed.

Bridget was speaking out against Government proposals in the Digital Economy Bill to block websites and cut off internet connections, for relatively minor offences such as breaches of copyright.

Her initiative followed widespread criticism that amendments tabled by Liberal Democrat and Conservative peers did not go far enough to protect the rights and freedoms of individual internet users. In just ten days, Bridget organised an open letter from leading Liberal Democrat candidates, and championed an online campaign, followed by the emergency motion to the party's Spring conference.

Liberal Democrat parliamentarians have already responded to her campaign by making further commitments to safeguard internet freedom.

Speaking after the debate, Bridget said "I want to thank all the Islington residents who raised their concerns with me. I am proud that the Liberal Democrats have reaffirmed our commitment to freedom and fairness, online and on the ground. Your web freedom is safe in our hands. Now we must continue to fight the illiberal and ignorant legislation from this Labour government. I am confident that our initiative will see real change to these dreadful proposals."

Related Links:

Text of Bridget Fox's motion on Freedom, creativity and the internet.

Podcast of the conference debate.