Ed Vaizey welcomes Newzbin ruling via Twitter

Internet minister Ed Vaizey has posted a series of messages on his Twitter account welcoming the High Court ruling on Thursday forcing BT to block access to file-sharing site Newzbin.

The victory for the Motion Picture Association (MPA) was heralded as a landmark decision for rights holders, Vaizey noting that it could now make further blocking orders easier to achieve.

"Interesting judgment in Newzbin case, should make it easier for rights holders to prevent piracy," he tweeted.

Vaizey also backed comments made by others that had praised the ruling, highlighting the potential benefits for the creative sector.

"Agree with independent TV producers body PACT that newzbin judgment will help protect investment in the content we all want to watch," he said.

Vaizey also defended the ruling to numerous Twitter users who had criticised his apparent willingness to back the creative industries, which have been accused of lobbying politicians for support.

One user who accused Vaizey of working to "make even more for Warner [Bros]" was rebuffed with the claim that the company is investing £100m in the UK.

Another said that piracy could be tackled by making films available for streaming online at a reasonable price, but was told: "Try Lovefilm."

Vaizey also responded to one question asking when the government will respond to the Hargreaves Review published in May, claiming that it will be "soon".

Vaizey made V3's Top 10 technology politicians list on Wednesday as part of our countdown of the 100 best Twitter users to follow from the world of technology.