Newton Dunn: Parliament has protected rights of internet users

6.16.00pm GMT Thu 5th Nov 2009

East Midlands Lib Dem MEP Bill Newton Dunn has welcomed the deal reached last night by the European Parliament and Council on the Telecoms package. After long negotiations the Council gave in to Parliament's demands to guarantee Internet users who are suspected of uploading or downloading illegal material a "prior, fair and impartial procedure".

The Liberal Group in the European Parliament had been battling for months to ensure that no "three strikes and your out" rule could be brought in without full protection of fundamental civil rights. Member States were seeking permission to cut off internet access for citizens if they persist in up-or down-loading illegal material. Liberals, on the other hand, were adamant that rights to be heard, to a fair trial, and due process through a national judicial system must be fully incorporated in any such scheme to restrict access.

Bill Newton Dunn said:

"I am pleased at this outcome. I know this matter caused a great deal of concern not only for my East Midlands constituents, but for citizens right across the European Union.

"National Governments - and Mr Sarkozy in particular - tried to water down the Parliament's demands and allow internet access - a fundamental right for European Citizens - to be cut off by a simple administrative process.

"However, the Parliament stayed strong and forced a deal that ensures internet access is treated as a fundamental right, which can only be restricted following a thorough, fair, procedure, maintaining the presumption of innocence and the right to a timely review.

The Telecoms package will be finally decided in third reading by the Parliament in the November II plenary session in Strasbourg.