News story

19^th January 2001

MP HAILS VICTORY IN DNA CAMPAIGN

Northavon MP Steve Webb has warmly welcomed the news that the Government is to bring forward changes in the law regarding DNA which have been called for by Robert and Gill Smith, parents of murdered Chipping Sodbury teenager Louise Smith.   The MP joined forces with the family to campaign for a change in the law to allow the thousands of DNA samples which may be collected in a police inquiry to be retained for future use, provided that consent is given.   Under the present law, all such samples have to be destroyed following an investigation, thereby wasting the time of both the Police and the people who gave the samples.   The Smiths organised a petition campaign which generated around 9,000 signatures which was presented to Parliament by Steve Webb.   The Northavon MP then led a 30 minute debate on the subject which was attended by the Smiths and to which Home Office minister Paul Boateng replied.   The Government subsequently gave assurances that legislation will be changed and this pledge has now been honoured in the form of the “Criminal Justics and Policing Act” which was published today.   Among the measures planned is the promise to:

“make better use of DNA and fingerprints by allowing the retention and use of all lawfully taken fingerprints and DNA profiles, and to allow fingerprints and samples given voluntarily for elimination purposes to be retained with written consent”.

This is exactly the change which the Smiths had called for.

Commenting, Steve Webb said:

“This decision is a vindication of the tireless campaigning of Robert and Gill Smith.   They were determined to change the existing rules which were leading to a waste of police time and resources, and they can feel proud of all that they have achieved.   I very much welcome the fact that the Government has now honoured the pledge which it made to me in Parliament”.

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