DNA database still growing by 40,000 a month

Information released by the Home Office has revealed that 40,000 people a month are being added to the DNA database - despite the European Court of Human Rights having ruled that the system of DNA retention in England and Wales is illegal.

Chris Grayling, the Shadow Home Secretary, accused the Government of “dragging their feet” on the matter.

He said, “The Government still doesn’t seem to get it about the DNA database. It is clearly illegal to maintain the records of innocent people but they are dragging their feet in dealing with the problem.”

A Conservative Government would adopt a system similar to that used in Scotland, where the DNA profiles of those not convicted of an offence would only be retained in circumstances where charges relating to a crime of violence or a sexual offence had been brought.

In these circumstances, DNA profiles could be retained for a maximum period of five years subject to judicial oversight.

Huhne: DNA announcement nowhere near good enough

Responding to the Governments announcement on removing a limited number of innocent people’s profiles from the DNA database in the light of the European Court ruling that it was illegal, the Liberal Democrats have released new research showing that 925,000 innocent people’s profiles are now on the database.

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Shadow Home Secretary, Chris Huhne said, "once again, the Home Office is fighting an undignified rearguard action designed to give as little as possible in response to the ruling of the European Court of Human Rights."

Attacking the Governmen Chris Huhne said, "today's announcement is nowhere near good enough. Jacqui Smith must not be allowed to get away with anything short of immediately removing all innocent people from the database, except those accused of a violent or sexual offence."

Talking about new Liberal Democrat research Chris Huhne said, "it is staggering that as many as one in five people on the database has no criminal record. The estimated 925,000 innocents on the database should not have to fight another case in the European Court to establish their freedom from an Orwellian state."