Uncovered letters reveal strength of Digital Britain opposition

The government has released letters showing the public's opposition to its proposals

A new report has revealed the strength of opposition to the Digital Economy Bill, referencing citizens who have written to their MPs voicing serious concerns over the government's plans to disconnect illegal file sharers from the internet.

The BBC report shows just some of the correspondence sent from the public to their MPs on the issue of disconnection, along with letters from copyright holders and lobbyists sent to the government in support of the proposals.

Some of the letters show how little some MPs understood the issue at the end of last year.

The letters emerged following a BBC freedom-of-information request in September last year to the Department of Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform, which is now the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills.

Part of a letter from Streatham MP Keith Hill to Digital Britain minister Stephen Timms read: "Since I am far from being an expert in these matters, I shall be grateful if you will provide me with a note on the government's position on this issue so that I may respond to my constituents' concerns."

Birmingham Ladywood MP Clare Short, meanwhile, said in a letter to business secretary Peter Mandelson: "I enclose an email regarding file sharing. I am afraid I do not really understand the complaint but I would be grateful for your response."

The majority of citizens writing to their MPs about the government's file sharing legislation came out against the proposals.