Member News
24th May 2010
We are delighted to see that the Coalition will bring forward plans to introduce a Freedom (Great Repeal) Bill, bring forward greater safeguards in the DNA database...and provide safeguards against the misuse of anti-terrorism legislation.
Law Society
To see more details of this Bill including the latest debate, amendment papers and associated documents and briefings, please go to Dods Legislation.
Summary
The Bill was announced in the Queen's Speech on 25 May 2010, and has yet to be introduced to Parliament. It will apply to England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
It aims to overturn some of the criminal justice legislation enacted by the previous Government.
The Bill will allow for:
- an extension of the Freedom of Information Act to cover more bodies that receive public funding
- greater regulation of the DNA database, allowing storage only for individuals convicted of serious offences, and only for three years, rather than six. Protections will be introduced for innocent people whose DNA has been stored
- greater regulation of CCTV
- the introduction of safeguards against the misuse of anti-terrorism legislation
- a ban on the wheel clamping of vehicles on private land
- a range of other measures, designed to protect and restore civil liberties
Other than the extension of the Freedom of Information Act 2000, Labour is expected to oppose the measures included in the Bill, and defend their record in Government.
Dods Parliamentary Communications Ltd
colin sidney
2nd Jul 2010 at 12:53 am