News story

29 November 2000

MP KEEPS UP PRESSURE ON DNA CAMPAIGN

Northavon MP Steve Webb is keeping up the pressure on the Home Office to bring forward promised legislation on the use of DNA samples following a campaign initiated by Robert and Gill Smith, parents of murdered teenager Louise. Robert and Gill Smith launched their campaign after seeing DNA evidence used to identify Louise’s killer. They were shocked to learn that the thousands of DNA samples voluntarily given by local people had to be destroyed at the end of the inquiry. The family felt that this was a waste not only of the time of the people who had given samples but also of Police time and money. They launched a petition campaign, with the backing of the Gazette, which attracted nearly 10,000 signatures. This was presented to Parliament by Northavon MP Steve Webb who arranged a meeting between the Smiths and Home Office Minister Paul Boateng, who promised that the legislation would be changed to allow DNA samples to be retained.

This week Steve Webb tabled a question in Parliament to find out when the Government planned to honour this promise. The reply which he received confirmed the Government’s support for the principle and indicated that legislation would be brought forward “at the earliest opportunity”. With the Queen’s Speech taking place next Wednesday (December 6th) this is likely to be the last opportunity for the Government to bring forward the necessary Bill before the General Election.

Commenting, Steve Webb said:

“I very much welcome the fact that the Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the principle of this campaign. But time is going by and it would be good to see that promise turned into action. I hope that the Government will use the Queen’s Speech to announce that the necessary legislation will be brought forward as soon as possible”.