Information released by the Home Office has revealed that 40,000 people a month are being added to the DNA database - despite the European Court of Human Rights having ruled that the system of DNA retention in England and Wales is illegal.
Chris Grayling, the Shadow Home Secretary, accused the Government of “dragging their feet” on the matter.
He said, “The Government still doesn’t seem to get it about the DNA database. It is clearly illegal to maintain the records of innocent people but they are dragging their feet in dealing with the problem.”
A Conservative Government would adopt a system similar to that used in Scotland, where the DNA profiles of those not convicted of an offence would only be retained in circumstances where charges relating to a crime of violence or a sexual offence had been brought.
In these circumstances, DNA profiles could be retained for a maximum period of five years subject to judicial oversight.