UK lobbying bill

In the ecumenical conversation on diakonia this week, I met James Laing, General Secretary, Council of Lutheran Churches (based in London). He mentioned to the group the controversial UK anti-lobbying Bill being presented before Parliament. Its proper name is “The Transparency of Lobbying, Non-partyCampaigning and Trade Union Administration Bill”. It is threatening advocacy as well as lobbying and other types of communications and will be of concern to all individuals and groups who seek an opportunity to publicly present an alternative viewpoint to the government of the day.
Yesterday the bill was so defeated in the House of Lords and has been put on hold for five weeks. 
The Independent has an informative series of articles linked to the latest here.