DNA data deal 'will create Big Brother Europe'

Centre-right MEPs have condemned plans for an EU-wide DNA and fingerprint database as the creation of “Big Brother Europe”.

Under proposals endorsed by parliament last week, police across the EU will be able to share DNA records and fingerprints.

The so-called Prum treaty, which was initially signed by seven EU countries in 2005, would be extended, allowing all member states to have access to other countries’ DNA and fingerprint data.

Police in one country will be able to find out whether another has data matching the profile of a suspected offender.

Germany, which wants the treaty adopted into EU law, has sought to push the proposal through before it hands over the EU presidency to Portugal next month.

But British Conservatives have accused Berlin of “bypassing much of the deliberation and consultation” that would have been required for a commission proposal.

“The implications of this treaty are far reaching and will affect all EU citizens,” said Philip Bradbourn, Tory justice and home affairs spokesman.

“The eight countries signed up to this treaty are now trying to foist it upon the rest.”

Another British Tory, Syed Kamall, called on the UK government to veto the proposals when, as expected, it comes up for discussion at next week’s two-day EU summit.

“We are sleepwalking into a Big Brother Europe while our government stands idly by,” he said.

However, Portuguese Socialist Fausto Correia pointed out that, in giving a green light to the scheme, parliament had insisted on guarantees for people’s privacy and basic rights.

“We have tried to find a balance between the needs of efficient cooperation between EU police forces on the one hand while, on the other, guaranteeing people’s fundamental rights,” said Correia.

His report on data sharing between police forces was adopted by last week’s mini plenary.

His comments were echoed by other deputies, including UK Socialist Michael Cashman.

“I believe the final agreement represents a balanced and constructive approach,” he said.

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