Norman Baker MP Member of Parliament for Lewes constituency
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Norman Baker,
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Lewes,
East Sussex,
BN7 2LJ.
Tel: (01273) 480281.
Fax: (01273) 480287.
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MP slams number of local children held on DNA database
Local Lib Dem MP, Norman Baker has today spoken out after figures uncovered by the Lib Dems revealed that the details of nearly 4000 children in Sussex are being held on the Government’s DNA database.
The statistics showed that around 150,000 children nationwide have their DNA samples held on the Government’s controversial database and that 3.5% of the samples taken by police in Sussex belong to children. This is slightly higher than the national figure of 3.3%.
The number of samples from children may be even higher, as figures show the current age of the individual sampled, rather than their age at the time of the sample being taken.
Commenting, Norman said:
“These figures underline the shocking extent to which the DNA database has intruded, often without parental consent, into the lives of local children.
“Thousands of these children in Sussex will not have been found guilty of any crime, yet samples of their DNA will remain on file for life.
“This disturbing and illiberal policy of adding a child’s most personal information to a massive government computer system, simply on the grounds of an accusation, must stop immediately.
“While DNA technology is undoubtedly invaluable for helping to solve crimes, the Government has to come up with a proportionate and sensible way of using this technology, rather than the unfair scattergun approach that currently prevails.”