Patriot act

[druiaghtagh]

After being introduced in the USA, it further eroded freedoms, how long before something like this comes in place iN GB ?

[Drusilla]

Tony Blair is already considering the tapping of MP's phones, which has been a political no-no for forty years, since Harold Wilson banned it.
DNA evidence is collected by the police from people who are arrested. The evidence is stored regardless of a not guilty verdict in court.
I think the slow erosion of civil liberties is already with us and will continue with ID cards, DNA databases for new born children (Disguised as a medical necessity) and the continued introduction of CCTV cameras which have made us the most 'watched' people in the western world.
As long as these measures are introduced as a protective measure against terrorists and hoodies, most people seem OK with it, which I think is very sad.

[LazyGun]

I was interested in your answer Drusilla.... couple of things that I was either unaware of or had a different understanding of.

1,This tapping of MPs phones... whats all that about, and when was it a news issue? Dont recall hearing anything about it

2.DNA evidence. I was under the impression that if you were found not guilty, the DNA record was removed.... this is not the case?

[Drusilla]

Hi Lazygun. I read about the MP's phones in yesterday's Independent on Sunday. If it wasn't in that, it was either the Guardian, or Independent on Saturday.

As for the DNA evidence, I'm afraid that is true. A teenager successfully appealed recently to have his details removed because he hadn't been convicted of any crime, but this was viewed as a special case.

[LazyGun]

Thanks for the response Drusilla.

Can you recall from the story about tapping of MPs phone what the agenda was?

I am also quite concerned to hear confirmation about the DNA thing.... Dont think that is right at all

[LazyGun]

Just to clarify my last answer Drusilla.... I Dont think it is right that your DNA profile should remain on the records if you are found not guilty of an alleged offence ;)

[Drusilla]

Hi Lazygun.

http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/politics/article338692.ece

I'm hoping this link works, re: telephone tapping story

[LazyGun]

Hi Drusilla,

Thanks for the link, and yes, that has clarified it a bit..... an interesting article, to say the least!