Pirate Party registers in UK

The Pirate Party UK has announced its official registration as a political party.

The three stated aims of the organisation are the reform of copyright and patent law, the ending of "excessive" surveillance and the introduction of "real" freedom of speech.

Writing on the party's official blog, leader Andrew Robinson said: "The long-awaited news has finally arrived, the Pirate Party UK is now officially registered as a political party!

"This means we can raise funds, have Pirate Party candidates at the next general election, and do all the other things that political parties do."

He added: "Now the party can really start. It's time for us to tell the world that we exist, to recruit members, raise funds and gear up to fight the general election."

The organisation has described itself as "similar" to the Swedish party that won a seat at this year's European parliamentary elections, though it will have its own policies and officials.