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John Reid MP (Labour) MP for Airdrie & Shotts

Written Ministerial Statement Public Protection: Criminal Records Bureau 16 January 2007

...We have agreed to work closely together to accelerate a programme of work to improve both the speed and the quality of data exchange across Europe, and I have emphasised the importance of including biometric data...

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2007-05-11 - The Register - Half a million kids' DNA on UK police database

Author: Mark Ballard

Summary: Half a million children have had their DNA recorded on Britain's police database, the government admitted yesterday. The number of people being added to the police DNA database is rising rapidly, with a total of 667,737 people added to the database last year, home secretary John Reid said in a parliamentary written answer yesterday.

2007-05-10 - Guardian, comment is free - Security is on the cards

Author: John Reid MP

Summary: Our individual identity is fast becoming our most precious possession and we need to protect it. This technological progress, and the criminal activity that comes with it, has already affected our traditional relationships based on trust. In a modern society we need to prove our identity, whether in applying for a job, crossing borders or opening a bank account. Our own, unique, identity is inexorably becoming our most precious possession. But when so much of this is now done remotely, how can we be sure who we are interacting with? ... With such uncertainty it is vital we have a system to safeguard the most valuable thing we own - our identity. This is not about control, Big Brother or the loss of liberty. ... Every civilised country is recognising these benefits. Out of 27 EU member states 24 already have identity cards. If we do not take this step we risk exploitation, fraud and terrorism. As home secretary it is my duty to protect the public and secure our future. A large part of this responsibility depends on an effective scheme to safeguard identities. Only the state can provide such a universal system, define the standards and be accountable for it.