The bill broadly sets out Government plans to support the UK's digital economy and creative industries, including provisions to cut the internet connections of people who persist in illegal filesharing, as well as proposals to extend collective licensing.

Possibly the most eye-catching proposal, however, is one that gives the Secretary of State the power to amend the Copyright Designs and Patents Act "for the purpose of preventing or reducing online copyright infringement".

Digital Britain minister Stephen Timms says that the ...