INTERNET NEUTRALITY PRINCIPLE

Early day motion 1036, tabled 17 November 2010 by Lord Watson of Wyre Forest (Labour). Signed by 54 members.

That this House expresses its concern at the recent comments made by the Minister for Communications and Creative Industries that internet service providers should be allowed to abandon the principle of internet neutrality and prioritise users' access to certain content providers; notes that Open Internet has delivered competition, innovation and unlimited access to new services; further notes that Open Internet has played a pivotal role in enhancing democratic participation and freedom of expression; believes that abandoning the principle of internet neutrality will stifle online innovation and lead to websites paying internet service providers to ensure their content gets priority; does not believe that mere transparency is likely to lead to protection of customers and citizens from harm, especially as ISPs seeks to lock their customers into long-term bundled service agreements with telephones, televisions, mobile telephones and internet; and calls on the Government to act against internet service providers who may seek to restrict customers' internet access for market advantage through minimum service guarantees.

Signatures by party: Labour 32, Liberal Democrat 15, Conservative 2, Scottish National Party 2, DUP 1, Green 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1.