Professor Jonathan Montgomery is the Chair of the Human Genetics Commission (HGC), the Government's independent DNA watchdog. The HGC says that there is little evidence that the national DNA database is of any use in solving crime. The Professor goes further, declaring that “it is now routine for the Police to take DNA samples on arrest. Large numbers of people on the DNA database will be there not because they have been convicted, but because they have been arrested. ..people are arrested to retain the DNA information, even though they might not have been arrested in other circumstances (source: Independent 24/11/09)
Why have the Police created the largest DNA database in the world? Who are they targeting? Well more than 75% of all the black men in England aged 18-35 are on the database, but the Police deny that they are institutionally racist. A similar percentage of peaceful political activists who regularly attend demonstrations are also probably on the database, judging by the evidence of the G20 , Kingsnorth and other recent demos. But the police claim that they are not politically motivated. Anyone who has attended a peaceful protest will be aware of the massive police presence, the “evidence gathering” officers with their cameras photographing every face and every car number. So even if you are not on the DNA database, your face and personal details are on the national police computer. How long will it be before the police come knocking on your door in the middle of the night at the behest of this increasingly repressive Government?
Once upon a time the old Labour Party marched for civil liberties. Now New Labour marches with a goose step, turning the Police into a para-military force, empowered to suppress our liberties and arrest us for our DNA. New Labour IS Big Brother, but does anyone really think it will change under the Tories? Don't take the chance: vote for real democracy, vote for the Green Party.