And another thing…

AFTER much thought and consideration, I spoke in favour of the Regulation of New Media Bill in the Commons last night.

The essential purpose of the legislation, as Andy Burnham, the Culture, Media and Sport Secretary, told the House, is to make sure that new media, like blogs and social networking sites, can’t be used by terrorists (and I accept this is where there will be some disagreement in the blogscape: “terrorists” are defined under Schedule 1 to the Bill as “anyone who pursues a persistent pattern of anti-social or irritating behaviour, such behaviour to be defined as double parking, parking in parent-and-toddler spaces at supermarkets, talking loudly in cinemas or any other activity as defined by the Secretary of State”).

The Bill will also introduce mandatory “politeness and decency” standards (the so-called The Clarkson Rules) which will allow any blog author to be fined if he or she allows any foul language to be used in their comments section. Andy expressed some surprise that this part of the Bill had received the private backing of none other than Paul Staines (aka Guido Fawkes).

But by far the most controversial part of the Bill is the section that demands that, from April 2010, every British blogger will have to submit each post for official approval. My main concern is with regard to the turnaround time; the whole point of blogging could be rendered meaningless or at least blunted if we’re unable to respond timeously to current events. Andy, however, managed to reassure me and the House that posts will be approved by the new regulatory body, BlogOff, within about 36 hours.

This drew sage nods from Tory blogger Iain Dale who was in the Strangers’ Gallery to watch the debate at first hand. In fact he and I had discussed the Bill earlier in the day after I happened upon him, Derek Draper, Alex Hilton and Tim Ireland having a jovial and relaxed meal together in the Terrace Canteen.

The second reading of the Regulation of New Media Bill was agreed without a vote and surprisingly little comment, either in the mainstream media or in the blogscape.

There will, inevitably, be those who will cry “Big Brother!”, even at such light-touch regulatory measures. But blogging can only benefit and prosper with the official stamp of approval from HMG.

I welcome your comments.

UPDATE at 1.45 pm: Admit it, I had some of you there, didn’t I? Come on, admit it! You know who you are…

Good to see that Shami Shakrabarti hasn’t lost her famous sense of humour. Apparently she’s laughed off Andy Burnham’s light-hearted teasing about her and David Davis’s friendship and has, rather cheekily, offered him some makeup tips. Absolutely the right way to handle this sort of thing: laugh it off and make sure no-one can accuse you of taking yourself too seriously.

Er, hang on… this just in.

Shami shares a joke with Andrew Marr

The right wing is trying to depict Andy Burnham’s latest observations on DD as a “smear”. Apparently, any criticism of the Hero of Haltemprice is to be viewed in this way from now until 10 July.

Andy pointed out that he thought it strange that the Director of Liberty, the perpetually angry Shami Chakrabarti, should allow herself to be so publicly associated with a hanger and flogger. Where in that observation is the smear? That he is being supported by Ms Chakrabarti? That he is a supporter of capital punishment? These are all matters of public record and cannot, therefore, be described as “smear”.

Desperate for the publicity, however, and for the lifeline of some actual opposition in his one-man crusade, DD has leapt at the chance to depict himself as the victim. He said tonight that GB’s henchmen “were out and about to attack me personally rather than engage in rational debate. Labour has now resorted to personal smears and lies rather than make its case for 42-day detention.”

You wish, mate. Pointing out an often-repeated fact about DD’s political views is not a smear. I would bet him that DD’s personal circus is occupying little or no discussion time in Downing Street or, indeed, in any pub in the land.