Just have to repost from Slashdot as they sum this up perfectly.

"First the tech illiterates in the UK government want to extend broadband internet connections to every home, whether it makes sense or not, then at the same time they propose a £20 per year (approx $29US) broadband tax which they claim will pay the record and film industries for their failed business models. Coincidence the two proposals are linked? And why should people be forced to pay for the failed film and music industries?"

I read about this on the train this morning, and am shocked that i'll end up paying to support the Music and Video industry, without any option of dropping out. It'll be a cold day in hell before I EVER pay these parasites any of my money outside of the Cinema, Rentals and occassional DVD\Music purchases I make. I'll be writing to my MP to add my voice to the MAJORITY of brits that don't want this happening. Suggest you do the same if you are resident in the UK.

How can they justify a national tax when it's only a minority of people pirating?

Over here, we have a statement from the government that they are not going to disconnect pirates from their ISP's, and now this national tax. No wonder they did this, as they knew they would be implementing a TAX!!!

Read the complete post at http://wmug.co.uk/blogs/r0b/archive/2009/01/30/uk-proposes-broadband-expansion-plus-a-music-and-film-tax-on-friday-january-30-03-11am.aspx