'No rush' over controversial Digital Economy Bill

Controversial plans to cut off internet access to illegal file-sharers will not be rushed through Parliament, Commons Leader Harriet Harman has said.

MPs raised concerns that the Digital Economy Bill would not be fully debated this week before Parliament is dissolved ahead of the election.

But Ms Harman said that although all stages of the Bill would be heard in the Commons before Thursday, there would be a public consultation on the draft regulations that would give powers to the courts to block access to websites for persistent internet pirates.

After announcing the final week's Commons business, she said: "As this element of the Bill has generated much debate, those regulations will be subject to the super-affirmative procedure which will operate in the following way."

Labour former digital engagement minister Tom Watson said he was not reassured by Ms Harman's comments and urged the Government to drop the measures from the Bill.