Dear John Hutton,

I’m writing to you as someone who has taken a keen interest in the progress of the Digital Economy Bill as it has made it’s (hurried) way through Parliament.

As a constituent who has worked in the digital creative industries for many years, and as someone who is building a creative business in the area, I find it worrying that legislation will be coming into place which could stifle the creative industries in this country.

You attended neither of the important debates which have taken place in the Commons this week. In fact, despite a huge wave of public concern, and over 20,000 letters to elected representatives, a tiny fraction of your fellow MPs turned up to these debates. Most of those who did debate spoke openly about how difficult it is to understand the complex technical, civil and legal issues which surround many of the clauses contained in this bill.

I note that you voted in favour of the bill going to a third reading – this despite the fact that you played no part in it’s debate. I would like to know how you arrived at an informed decision to vote in favour of it.

I know you are standing down in the coming election, but I fear that the legacy you and your fellow MPs will be leaving behind, will have far-reaching consequences in the coming years. This bill was not fit for purpose. It was not given the time it needed for proper debate and amendment. It is too vague on issues which touch on civil liberties, and affords too much interpretive power to the Home Secretary.

There has been one positive outcome in recent days. While 40 MPs debated on Tuesday, and 80 took part on Wednesday, many tens of thousands of people watched live on BBC Parliament and online, while sharing facts, opinions and knowledge through Twitter, blogs and mashups. It felt like modern democracy should feel: engaged, exciting and important. It’s a shame the 643 of you in the Palace of Westminster couldn’t be a part of it.

Yours sincerely,

Phil Powell