53,600 WELSH INNOCENTS MUST BE REMOVED FROM DNA DATABASE WITHOUT DELAY

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 11th May 2009

Today, the Welsh Liberal Democrats released new figures showing that the number of innocent people on the DNA Database has risen to over 925,000 across the UK, and 53,600 in Wales - more than 1 out of every 5 profiles stored on the database.

Tomorrow, the Government is expected to outline the details of a new scheme to remove innocent people from the database. The move comes after the ECHR's landmark ruling in December 2008 that the policy of indefinitely retaining DNA samples and profiles of innocent people is an abuse of human rights.

The figures include a breakdown for each police force in England & Wales.

Commenting, Jenny Willott MP, Welsh Liberal Democrat MP for Cardiff Central, said:

"The Government has had to be dragged kicking and screaming into this position.

"Labour's decision to throw out the principle of innocent until proven guilty has turned the DNA database from a dedicated crime fighting tool into an invasive arm of the Big Brother state.

"It's staggering that every fifth person on the database today has no criminal record whatsoever.

"The DNA database needs to be restored to its original purpose - catching criminals. Jacqui Smith mustn't be allowed to get away with anything short of removing all innocent people from the DNA database without delay."