Concerns for campaigning: Lobbying Bill to become law

After a long campaign and many voices raised in concern
Futures Forum: Lobbying: big business and big government in East Devon
Futures Forum: Concerns for campaigning: Lobbying Bill rejected by Lords
the Lobbying Bill has been been passed by both Houses:
BBC News - Lobbying Bill to become law after Lords rebellion falters
Lobbying bill passes through House of Lords | Politics | theguardian.com
Gagging law: it’s law – campaigning organisations will now have to shut up for a year before elections | Sidmouth Independent News

A message from the campaign group 38 Degrees:

I wanted to let you know straight away. I'm afraid we lost the gagging law vote in the House of Lords this evening. That's it - it's going to become law. It couldn't have been closer. On the final vote, 245 Lords voted in favour and 245 against. Unfortunately the rules mean that in the case of a tie, the government gets its way. Personally I feel pretty devastated about this. I'm worried about what it means for the future of 38 Degrees. More importantly, I'm worried about what it means for the future of democracy, and what it tells us about the state of British politics. But I also feel proud of everything 38 Degrees members did together to fight this. I hope you do too. There will be a lot of thinking and discussion to be done in the coming days. 38 Degrees members will need to pull together to think about how to fight this terrible law. And we'll need to work out how we can keep standing up for all we believe in - despite the restrictions the government is trying to impose. But right now, I feel sure of one thing. We won't give up. Sorry I'm not emailing with better news, and thank you for everything you've done, David PS: 38 Degrees members are discussing the outcome on Facebook. You can join in at https://www.facebook.com/peoplepowerchange

38 Degrees | people. power. change.

Today the former Archbishop of Canterbury has criticised legislation that could prevent charities from campaigning in the run up to elections:
Rowan Williams: Lobbying Bill is 'bad news' for democracy | Christian News on Christian Today

Local politicians have voiced concern:
Councillors attack ‘gag’ on lobbying debate (From Oxford Mail)
including in East Devon:
http://www.claire-wright.org/index.php/post/open_letter_to_swire_and_parish_on_lobbying_bill/
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