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You are in Publications → MP Briefings

MP Briefings

• in GeneWatch publications
  GeneWatch UK comments on the Data Protection and Digital Information Bill: serious implications for public trust in the use of genetic data
  20th November 2023

• in Consultation responses
  GeneWatch UK: The Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Bill: Briefing for Committee Stage
  28th June 2022

• GeneWatch UK briefing: The Data Protection Bill: Implications for DNA and genetic data (House of Lords)
  14th November 2017

• GeneWatch UK Briefing: Sharing DNA profiles and fingerprints across the EU requires further safeguards
  2nd December 2015

• GeneWatch Parliamentary Briefing: Protection of Freedoms Bill: Lords' Committee Stage
  28th November 2011

• GeneWatch Parliamentary Briefing: Protection of Freedoms Bill: 3rd Reading
  6th October 2011

• in GeneWatch briefings
  GeneWatch Parliamentary Briefing: Protection of Freedoms Bill
  25th February 2011

• GeneWatch UK submission to Home Affairs Committee: the National DNA Database
  15th January 2010

• in GeneWatch press releases and briefings
  GeneWatch UK Parliamentary Briefing: Crime and Security Bill
  15th January 2010

• MPs Briefing: The Coroners and Justice Bill: A DNA database by stealth?
  26th January 2009

• Briefing for the Northern Ireland Policing Board: Police Retention of DNA from Northern Ireland
  31st May 2007

• in Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) consultations
  Briefing note for MPs, MSPs, AMs & MLAs. DNA: proposed expansions of powers
  25th March 2007

• Briefing for Councillors and Police Authorities: Police retention of DNA
  23rd February 2007

• in Nuffield DNA consultation
  MPs' Briefing: Human Genetics No.7 - The National DNA Database: an update
  25th January 2007

  A further update on the police DNA Database

• MPs Briefing No 2: Implementation of the Environmental Liability Directive
  11th December 2006

  Explains UK Government's plants for environmental liability for GMOs and improvements required.

• MPs' Briefing: Human Genetics No. 6 - The Police National DNA Database: an update
  17th July 2006

  This briefing updates GeneWatch's 2005 Parliamentary Briefing on the National DNA Database and considers evidence that:

  • the permanent retention of DNA from innocent people has contributed little to tackling crime;
  • DNA profiles and samples continue to be used for controversial genetic research without consent and without any independent oversight;
  • there is gowing public and political concern about the Database.

• MPs' Briefing: Human Genetics No. 5 - The Police DNA database: balancing crime detection and human rights
  1st January 2005

  Using DNA to trace people who are suspected of committing a crime is one of the biggest advances in tackling crime since fingerprinting. When DNA profiling is used wisely it can bring major benefits to society by helping to convict serious criminals including murderers and rapists. Concerns arise, however, when tissue samples, genetic information and personal data are stored indefinitely on a DNA database, like the police forensic database - known as the National DNA Database (NDNAD). There are fears that this information may be misused in ways that threaten the rights of individuals and their families.

• MPs' Briefing: Human Genetics No. 4: Human genetic testing and the influence of the pharmaceutical industry
  31st August 2004

  Drug companies are seeking to use genetic tests to define 'at risk' groups who would be advised to take (their) medication to prevent a predicted future illness. This approach would be hugely profitable for the pharmaceutical industry, but does not have a good scientific foundation. Many people could take medicine unnecessarily, and some could suffer side-effects. Public health approaches to tacking problems such as obesity and smoking could also be undermined.

• MPs' Briefing: Human Genetics No. 3: Biobank UK – A Good Research Priority?
  1st November 2002

  The Government is backing a controversial new genetic research project called 'Biobank UK'. The project aims to identify the links between genetic and environmental factors in common diseases by studying DNA samples taken from 500,000 45 to 69 year olds. Each person's genetic information will be linked with their lifestyle and medical data.
  
  However, Biobank UK's aims are controversial, its science is questionable, and there is a lack of legal safeguards to protect those agreeing to take part from misuse of their genetic information.
  
  GeneWatch believes that the project should be shelved until the controversies surrounding it have been fully debated and resolved and alternative approaches have been properly assessed.
  

• MPs' Briefing: Human Genetics No. 2 - Unregulated Genetic Testing on the High Street and the Internet
  31st March 2002

  Human genetic tests are now being sold directly to the public in the High Street and on the Internet. Genetic testing is unregulated and vulnerable customers are being misled. Current knowledge of genetics and health is too uncertain and complex to be left to commercial interests.
  

• MPs' Briefing: Human Genetics No. 1 - Genetic Testing in Insurance: A New Form of Discrimination
  30th September 2001

  Genetic tests are becoming available to detect genes associated with disease. These tests may help diagnose an illness in some patients so it can be treated or predict a possible future illness in others or their children.
  
  However, genetic test information could be abused and lead to genetic discrimination if used as grounds for refusing insurance cover or employment.

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