Aggregated News
The Tories have abandoned attempts to block the retention of DNA samples, to pre-empt a Labour campaign led by the mother of Sally Anne Bowman, whose killer was caught using genetic evidence.
Chris Grayling, the Shadow Home Secretary, said his party would not block measures in the Crime and Security Bill in the Commons today that allow police to keep DNA profiles of those arrested, but not subsequently charged or convicted, for up to six years.
But he made plain that if elected, a Conservative government would bring in early legislation to ensure that DNA profiles of innocent people arrested for minor offences would not be retained on the national police datbase.
The party has said that DNA profiles of people arrested for sexual or violent offences, but not charged or convicted, would stay on the database for three years.
In the first election campaign skirmish on crime, Labour has lined up Linda Bowman, who has become an advocate for the DNA database after the murder of her 18-year-old daughter, to appear at an event to highlight the issue with...
Chris Grayling, the Shadow Home Secretary, said his party would not block measures in the Crime and Security Bill in the Commons today that allow police to keep DNA profiles of those arrested, but not subsequently charged or convicted, for up to six years.
But he made plain that if elected, a Conservative government would bring in early legislation to ensure that DNA profiles of innocent people arrested for minor offences would not be retained on the national police datbase.
The party has said that DNA profiles of people arrested for sexual or violent offences, but not charged or convicted, would stay on the database for three years.
In the first election campaign skirmish on crime, Labour has lined up Linda Bowman, who has become an advocate for the DNA database after the murder of her 18-year-old daughter, to appear at an event to highlight the issue with...