LOCAL MP REVEALS SCALE OF GOVERNMENT'S DNA DATABASE

11.18.28pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 16th Oct 2007

Figures uncovered by Solihull's LibDem MP, Lorely Burt, show that nearly half a million young people now have their details stored on a national DNA database.

The figures were uncovered as a result of a Parliamentary Question Lorely asked to Home Office Minister Meg Hiller MP.

Commenting from Westminster today, Lorely Burt said:

"The Government's onward march towards a surveillance state has now become a headlong rush.

"As an increasing number of local young people, well under the age of criminal responsibility appear on the database, it is clear the Government sees no limits to its invasion of our privacy.

"Worse still, by harvesting the data of many people who are not even charged with an offence, let alone convicted, the fundamental principle that we are innocent until proven guilty is further undermined.

"Why should anyone be on this database if they are entirely innocent of any wrong doing?"