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Middle class to pay higher fines for the same offence

Better-off people will have to pay heavier fines for offences such as speeding under a Bill published yesterday that links penalties to income.

The level of the fine will also be governed by the offender's ability to pay.

Source: news.telegraph, January 14, 2005

Mum backs DIY bullets crackdown

WHAT a wonderful Christmas present that is."

That was the delighted reaction today of the mother of murdered Leeds police officer Ian Broadhurst to news that the Government has taken a major step towards stopping criminals being able to produce home-made ammunition.

PC Broadhurst was executed by American-born David Bieber – with bullets he had been able to legally manufacture himself.

Source: Leeds Today Evening Post (online), December 24, 2004

Teachers told to promote Gay Pride

Schools are being urged to advertise gay lifestyles to children in a Government drive to 'challenge homophobia'.

In an attempt to clamp down on supposedly homophobic language, the guidelines say teachers should be reported if they refer to boys as 'sissies', accuse them of standing around 'like a mothers' meeting' or call them a 'bunch of girls'.

Source: Daily Mail (online), December 24, 2004

Rebel bid fails to block ID cards

Tory and Labour rebels failed tonight to block Government plans to press ahead with identity cards.

The revolt was an embarrassment both for Tony Blair and Tory leader Michael Howard, who threw his party’s support behind the legislation.

Times Online, December 20, 2004

Mother Wins Permission to Challenge Abortion Guidelines

A mother-of-five has won permission to challenge guidelines that allow abortions to be carried out on young girls without their parents’ knowledge...

Department of Health guidelines state terminations can take place without parental consent.

Source: news.scottsman.com, December 15, 2004

State has a role in family life, says minister

The government has the right to intervene in family life because there are social implications in the way parents bring up their children, one of Tony Blair's closest allies said yesterday.

In an interview with The Telegraph, Margaret Hodge, the children's minister, said the state had always influenced young people's lives through schools and she wanted to extend that influence to the home.

Source: news.telegraph (online), 11/26/2004

ID card doubts - Blunkett blames dead German philosopher

Home Secretary David Blunkett said today that the German philosopher Immanuel Kant is to blame for scepticism about the government's plans for a compulsory national identity card. He was speaking at a meeting at the Institute of Public Policy Research, restating his arguments in favour of the scheme.

Source: The Register (online), November 17, 2004

'Spy' under bonnet could stop speeding

Speed limiters could be fitted to cars in London under radical plans backed by the Mayor.

The electronic under-bonnet "spy" would make it impossible to exceed legal limits over the entire capital.

Source: ThisIsLondon (online), September 23, 2004

Increase in state databases 'a threat to civil liberties'

The government has lost control of the growing network of state databases monitoring every aspect of modern life, presenting dangers for basic liberties, a senior Labour MP warned yesterday.

John Denham, a former Home Office minister who is sometimes seen as an "outrider" for Tony Blair, the Prime Minister, and his political followers, called for a set of rules limiting the spread of so-called Big Brother databases, and clearly defining citizens’ rights to see and correct their records.

Source: The Scotsman (online), August 17, 2004

Children of criminals to be 'targeted' and 'tracked'

Children of criminals are to be "targeted" and "tracked" from an early age by the Government to prevent them following their parents into a life of crime, as part of a campaign to tackle the next generation of offenders.

Source: independent.co.uk, August 16, 2004

Scanner set to lay bare the secrets of air travellers

It may sound like a gadget from a futuristic film but the full body scanner, which sees straight through people's clothing, is coming soon to airports in the UK.

Source: independent.co.uk, May 10, 2004

Oral sex lessons to cut rates of teenage pregnancy

Encouraging schoolchildren to experiment with oral sex could prove the most effective way of curbing teenage pregnancy rates, a government study has found.

Source: The Observer (online), May 9, 2004

ID cards won't stop attacks, says Blunkett

David Blunkett yesterday watered down suggestions that ID cards would stop terrorists as he set out plans to introduce a compulsory scheme within 10 years.

The Home Secretary denied that the main reason for proceeding with the first ID scheme in 50 years was to counter terrorism.

Source: news.telegraph, September 30, 2004

ID cards 'compulsory by 2008

Everyone in Britain could be forced to have identity cards within five years under a fast-track plan by David Blunkett which is backed by Tony Blair and gaining support within the Cabinet.

Source: independent.co.uk, April 5, 2004

Sweeping new powers in UK war on terror

Terror suspects could be convicted on the evidence of 'electronic eavesdropping' of phone calls and emails under sweeping moves to combat the threat of an al-Qaeda atrocity.

In a blunt admission that the risk of attack remains 'real and serious', Home Secretary David Blunkett will pledge a massive staffing boost for MI5. Priorities will include linguists, translators and surveillance to help infiltrate overseas-sponsored terror networks in Britain.

Source: Guardian Unlimited, February 22, 2004

Big Brother in Britain: Does more surveillance work?

More than 4 million cameras observe all aspects of life, from town centers to transport systems, office towers to banks, commercial zones to residential areas, restaurants, bars, and even churches.

Christian Science Monitor (online), February 6, 2004

Four million CCTV cameras watch public. UK has the highest level of surveillance

More than four million surveillance cameras monitor our every move, making Britain the most-watched nation in the world, research has revealed.

Source: The Independent (online), January 12, 2004

Charities back ban on public smoking

Smoking in pubs, restaurants and clubs across Scotland could be banned under controversial new legislation.

In a significant toughening of its stance, the Scottish Executive is considering a total ban on smoking in public places as part of wider moves to tackle the growing cancer crisis.

Source: The Scotsman (online), December 29, 2003

Police call for remote button to stop cars

After speed cameras, road humps and mobile phone bans, there could be more bad news for Britain's motorists. Police are urging Ministers to give them the power to stop vehicles by remote control.

In what will be seen as yet another example of the in-creasing power of Big Brother, drivers face the prospect of their cars being halted by somebody pushing a button.

Source: The Observer Guardian Unlimited (online), December 21, 2003

Spying machines' spread worries rights groups

In Britain, Big Brother really is watching you almost everywhere, according to civil liberties campaigners alarmed by the proliferation of spying machines in trains, buses, high streets, sports stadiums and perhaps soon even in clothes.

"In terms of western democracies, we are by far and away the most spied-upon nation," said Mark Littleton, second in command at citizens' rights group Liberty.

Source: Taipei Times (online), December 19, 2003

The nanny state says: baby must do its physical jerks, too

Parents will be told to give their babies a daily 10-minute exercise routine to help improve their infants' mental skills under a government-backed scheme to be launched this week.

Source: Telegraph News (online), November 30, 2003

Smart cards track commuters

Civil rights campaigners have expressed concerns about the new smart travelcards introduced for London commuters.

Under the new system, Transport for London will be able to track a commuter's movements and it plans to retain information on journeys made for "a number of years"

Source: BBC News World Edition (online), September 25, 2003

Public backs ID cards but balks at £40 fee, poll says

The public overwhelmingly supports the idea of compulsory identity cards, says a YouGov opinion poll published today in The Telegraph. But it strongly objects to having to pay £40 for them.

Seven per cent of those asked were so opposed to the cards that they said they would refuse to acquire or carry one. This suggests that if the Government introduces legislation for cards this year, as expected, the police would have to act against some three million "refuseniks".

Source: News.telegraph.co.uk, August 9, 2003

DNA tests sought 'for every Briton'

Every single person in the UK should be compelled to have their DNA on the national database in an effort to prevent crime, a senior police officer has argued.

Currently about two million people who have been charged with criminal offences have their DNA profiles on the national database.

Source: BBC News World Edition (online), September 8, 2003

ID cards to be tested in 'a small market town'

The home secretary, David Blunkett, is to stage a pilot scheme this autumn to test the introduction of a national identity card despite the lack of strong cabinet backing for the idea.

The Home Office confirmed last night that a six-month trial, testing the use of new generation fingerprint and eye-scanning technology, would be completed by April to "assess customer perceptions and reactions" and estimate costs. It is believed that the trial will be carried out in an as yet unnamed small market town with a population of about 10,000.

Source: The Guardian Unlimited (online), August 27, 2003

DNA database pledges to defend confidentiality

The scientist in charge of setting up Britain's DNA databank, which will collect information on the lifestyle, health and genes of 500,000 people, said he will oppose any attempt by police or the courts to gain access to the data.

Source: Independent.co.uk, August 25, 2003

Britain Says Use of Paxil By Children Is Dangerous

British drug regulators warn that GlaxoSmithKline's popular antidepressant Paxil causes depressed children to become more suicidal and should not be prescribed for them; Glaxo vice president Alan Metz says company is not warning American doctors against use of drug for depressed children; notes Paxil is not approved in US for treating children but that many doctors prescribe drug for children anyway

Source: New York Times Archive, June 11, 2003

Black box in car to trap speed drivers

Drivers face automatic speeding fines without being caught by the police or roadside cameras under a proposal being studied by the Government to fit all cars with satellite tracking devices for road tolls.

Under the anti-congestion tolling plan being examined by the Department for Transport, all vehicles would be fitted with a 'black box' to charge drivers according to the type of road they are using and when they are driving.

Source: Guardian Unlimited (online UK news), August 3, 2003

Teachers call for webcams in class

Cameras linked to the internet should be installed in every classroom so parents can see whether their children are misbehaving in school.

Teachers who unveiled the plan today said they believed it could be the key to improving discipline, and involving parents in their children's education.

Source: thisislondon.com, July 29, 2003

Sunscreen ban at school for girl, 10

A 10-year-old girl was barred from applying sun cream at school for fear that her classmates might share it and have an allergic reaction.

Source: telegraph.co.uk, July 19, 2003

Sex lessons for five-year-olds 'should be compulsory'

Compulsory sex education for five-year-olds will be demanded today by government advisers on teenage pregnancy, as an essential step towards halving the under-18 conception rate by 2010.

Source: Guardian Unlimited (online), July 11, 2002

Every baby's DNA may be stored for future health care

All babies born in Britain could have their DNA stored in a national databank for their future medical treatment as part of a £50m genetics initiative published yesterday.

Source: independent.co.uk, June 25, 2003

Sports day ban on parents 'to spare the losers

A primary school [Birmingham] has banned parents from attending its annual sports day, with egg and spoon and obstacle races, to spare the children from embarrassment if they do not win.

Instead, a non-competitive sports day will be held behind closed doors.

Source: news.telegraph.co.uk, May 19, 2003

Government urges under-16s to experiment with oral sex

A GOVERNMENT-backed course is encouraging pupils under 16 to experiment with oral sex, as part of a drive to cut rates of teenage pregnancy.

Family campaigners believe that the course, called A Pause, is having the reverse effect by exciting the sexual interest of children.

Source: Times Online, February 21, 2003

Little Brother's fingerprints all over the library

It promised to be the high-tech saviour of the embattled primary-school librarian, an ingenious device that guaranteed no more lost library cards and fewer missing books.

All a child had to do to borrow Topsy & Tim for the week was flick a thumb through an unobtrusive fingerprint scanner, so sensitive it could even recognise a pattern from under layers of sticky chocolate.

Source: Times OnLine, July 23, 2002

Spy in the car will charge drivers for jams

EVERY motorist in Britain will be monitored by satellite and charged for using busy routes under plans being presented by the Government's transport commissioner this week.

Under the proposals cars would be fitted with a global positioning device and drivers billed for sitting in traffic jams.

Source: London Telegraphy, 24/02/2002

Blair orders DNA register of criminals

Tony Blair, Prime Minister of England, announced plans to register all criminals in the national DNA database within three years. Police currently have the power to DNA test persons charged with "reportable" crimes, but the additional money would allow testing to be conducted on persons involved in minor crimes. Civil liberty groups are concerned about the planned testing.

Source:  syndication.newsint.co.uk/ The Times, September 1, 2000

Police Surveillance of Internet To Be Regulated

The British Parliament is planning to regulate how police can intercept emails and unscramble encrypted messages. This regulation will cover the use of undercover informants, and it will regulate police access to internal telephone networks."

Source: Line One, February 10, 2000

Blair Promises 'Smart Cards' for Students

The prime minister has set a target of getting half of young people into higher education - with the offer of a discount 'smart card' as an incentive

Source: BBC Online, September 28, 1999