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The letter was sent by BPI chief executive Geoff Taylor on the morning that the MoU was due to be signed, and warned ISPs that the BPI would reserve its right to take legal action against individual ISPs.

"BPI may determine that it is necessary to bring legal action against one or more ISPs under current legislation to protect its members' rights, notwithstanding any steps that may be taken pursuant to the MoU," Taylor wrote in the letter, <

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seen by The Guardian.

Vadera's response, copied to the heads of the four major record companies, was blunt.

"I was disappointed at the timing, tone as well as content of the attached letter from you yesterday," she said in a letter addressed to Taylor sent on July 24. "I am glad I was able to ensure that the MoU got signed despite it."

The MoU commits the six largest ISPs, the government, movie industry body the MPAA and Ofcom to draw up a code of practice outlining measures to tackle unauthorised file sharing. Signed last week, it was welcomed by the BPI which described it as a "significant step forward".

Following the disclosure of its letter, the music industry body reiterated its support for the MoU.

"The MoU is an excellent result. Any negotiation on a major issue like this is going to be tough and we worked hard to get a good outcome for the creative industries and music fans," a spokesman said.