'ARRESTS FOR INNOCENT DNA' MUST STOP - WILLOTT

12.00.00am GMT Tue 24th Nov 2009

Commenting on today's report from the Human Genetics Commission on the DNA database, Nothing to hide, nothing to fear?, Jenny Willott, Welsh Liberal Democrat MP for Cardiff Central, said:

"The idea that the police are arresting people that they normally wouldn't, in order to obtain their DNA, is deeply worrying.

"This report is right to highlight that the government has made the accumulation of innocent peoples' DNA a national police priority. But there is no evidence to show that this has actually increased conviction rates.

"This is not only an abuse of the innocent until proven guilty pillar of our criminal justice system, it is extremely costly. Our research shows that it has cost well over £700m.

"The government's new proposals are nearly identical to the old ones that were thrown out of the Lords only a month ago. I hope that Parliament treats these measures with the same level of respect."