PROPOSED INTERNATIONAL ANTI-COUNTERFEITING TRADE AGREEMENT

Early day motion 700, tabled 25 January 2010 by Lord Foster of Bath (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 81 members.

That this House is deeply concerned by the secrecy surrounding international negotiations on the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA); notes that any agreement reached could affect the measures to protect copyright online currently being debated in the Digital Economy Bill; believes that if the companies affected by the agreement are party to the discussions and able to influence decisions, parliamentarians who represent the public and are responsible for legislation in these areas should also be kept up-to-date with developments and be able to contribute to the debate; seeks assurances from the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills that the provisions of the Digital Economy Bill will not be superseded by ACTA; and urges the Government to work to achieve release of details of the negotiations to hon. Members as soon as possible.

Signatures by party: Liberal Democrat 39, Labour 26, Conservative 5, DUP 4, Independent 2, Independent Labour 1, Plaid Cymru 1, Scottish National Party 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1, UUP 1.