DNA database out of control - Featherstone

9.15.21pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 7th Jun 2006

Liberal Democrats discover that individuals' samples on the DNA database have been shared with other foreign countries [Copyright: Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland]

Lynne Featherstone MP, Liberal Democrat Home Affairs Spokesperson, has discovered information that shows how individuals' samples on the DNA database have been shared with other foreign countries with no real safeguards in place. Under new EU proposals, all member states will be able to access the British DNA database and the information on it.

Commenting Ms Featherstone said "This is a bad omen for the upcoming ID register, now the Government has made it clear that our personal data can be shared with foreign countries.

"There are no real safeguards in place to control this huge database which leaves it open for misuse - and now we find out it's not only being misused in our country but also internationally.

"What confidence can we have in the Government's reassurance of the DNA database having proper safeguards when, until last year, they didn't even collate requests properly?"