Do we live in a society that brings the might of the judicial system crashing down on those who use their talents to provide free public services in their own time, often filling market failures far better than the Government? It’s a question that is (finally) beginning to be asked in the media, parliament, and if all else fails, the courts.

Unfortunately it has taken two of the finest of these individuals to endure threatening legal action that threatens their livelihoods to bring this matter to the limelight. For years, however, entrepreneurial creators of the web have been posed with this dilemna with every good idea they’ve had. Some have continued with the hope of a shield of obscurity, others with the mantra “ask forgiveness, not permission”, others have caved in, not wanting to risk what Harry and Richard are going through now.

It is an issue that poses complicated, interesting and extensive questions for economists, lawyers and politicians. But these tangents shouldn’t distract from the fact that it is undeniably wrong to destroy a free services that significantly improves job hunting whilst we’re in a recession, helps local people engage in the development of their local area, assist elderly people pick up their pensions or one of the many ideas that haven’t been thought up in the few years of the internet’s existence.

I urge you to support Ernest Marples’ defence of their service that has the potential to help every person in this country and move Britain into the digital age.