Government plans on the DNA database are still wrong

Winchester MP Mark Oaten has again criticised the Government’s decision to continue to hold the DNA profile of innocent people on the UK’s DNA database.

Mark has long highlighted the dangers of such an unfair DNA database recently running an online discussion with constituents on the matter and submitting his views, and the results of that discussion, to the Home Office’s consultation on DNA retention.

Numerous constituents, who have wrongly had their DNA profiles taken, have received Mark’s support to have their profile removed from the database which is now the largest in the world. And it is clear that constituent’s feel holding an individuals DNA profile when they have not been convicted is unjustified and unfair.

The European Court had found the UK to be in breach of individuals rights to privacy by storing their DNA in such a way and this is the Government’s response to that judgment. They argue, although no accurate data seems to exist to prove it, that the retention of such data can help solve future crimes.

Mark Oaten MP commented:

“I am not convinced that holding the DNA of innocent people helps detect future crime anymore than just by random coincidence. As I have said before to keep people on the database ‘just in case’ they may offend in future is not acceptable.

“Follow that argument through and everyone should go on the database. The Government know they can’t do that and the public won’t accept it so they have ducked the issue and come up with this unfair system.

“It is not right to hold innocent peoples DNA on a database that is now the largest in the world. It is a breach of civil liberties and I hope people recognise it as such.