Huzzah! Finally! A Good Use For The Guardian Newspaper!

Having loathed and despised al-Grauniad for a long while now, I was amazed to find it of some use just now. It is carrying what has the potential to be the story (home affairs-wise) of the year, that some pressure is being put on the government to reduce the DNA database. Pressure from the only sort of people the Government listens to these days, a 'think tank'.

Says the Guardian:

"The government must prevent police from storing the profiles of innocent people on the national DNA database, an influential group of experts has said. The Nuffield Council on Bioethics also recommended that ministers drop plans to extend police powers that would see DNA samples being taken from people suspected of minor offences such as littering or speeding."

The Guardian also quotes Sir Bob Hepple QC, as winning possibly the MrSmith Clear Thinker of the Year Award for Best Thinker Associated With The Government. Sir Hepple says:

"Innocent people are concerned about how their DNA might be used in future if it is kept on the national DNA database without their consent.."

There are also rumours that Sir Bob suspects bears of defecating in arboreal areas, but this is as yet unconfirmed. I shall keep you informed.

The Times is also covering this story, and can be found here. Thanks to Google News for keeping this one on the front pages. Top image taken from The Fractal Bargain Bin, with thanks.