Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Biometrics Commissioner and Forensic Science Regulator

20 January 2022 · 3 other contributors · 10,565 words

Opened by Greg Clark Con Tunbridge Wells

Responding minister: Not recorded

Standards & Ethics

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Greg Clark raised concerns about biometrics commissioner and forensic science regulator in Westminster Hall. Response awaited from government.

Key points

  • Global value of biometric technology expected to reach 21 billion in 2022, up 130% since 2016.
  • UK police hold biometric data on four separate databases.
  • Forensic science laboratories face capacity issues affecting case outcomes.

Key requests to Government

The Government should update on the number of police forces that have joined the Forensic Capability Network, plans to measure success in driving accreditation compliance, progress towards a single system of laboratory accreditation, and case for establishing a decision-making body specifically for forensic science. The Minister should also provide an update on facial recognition guidance publication date and progress on implementing the automatic custody image deletion system by 2024.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Greg Clark Con Tunbridge Wells

The global value of biometric technology is expected to reach £21 billion this year, a 130% increase since 2016. Biometric data are held by the police on four separate databases in the UK, and forensic science laboratories have capacity issues that impact case outcomes. The former Forensic Science Regulator highlighted shortages of toxicologists and issues with digital forensics capacity. The report also noted a lack of scientifically rigorous testing for new biometric technologies and concerns about facial recognition technology bias.

Other contributors (3)
  • Carol Monaghan SNP Glasgow North West

    I urge the government to recognise the importance of the Forensic Science Regulator in maintaining public confidence and ensuring that forensic science is independent, rigorous, and robust. Forensic science services are crucial for public confidence in the criminal justice system. The closure of forensic science services has led to significant research funding losses and a decline in expertise, with only 30 toxicologists currently available. There is a need for better governance and statutory footing for these services, as well as clarity on how biometric information is managed and deleted. The Scottish Government have implemented an independent regulator, which should be watched by the UK Government to learn from its success. The issue is not the use of these images but their long-term storage, where people start having difficulties.

  • Graham Stringer Lab Blackley and Middleton South

    The speaker highlighted the history of forensic science regulation in the UK, citing the 'Forensic Science on Trial' report from 2005. He expressed concern over the loss of context provided by public sector forensic services when private companies take over. Stringer also noted a decline in funding for forensic research and criticised decisions that led to the disbanding of the Forensic Science Service, believing these actions compromised the integrity of criminal investigations. Suggested that a sign next to the camera in custody suites informs individuals about their right to have images deleted if they are found not guilty or charges are not sustained.

  • Sarah Jones Lab Croydon West

    Forensic science is crucial for justice and must be regulated effectively. The market currently lacks sustainability, leading to delays, confusion, and potential miscarriages of justice. Digital forensics cases face long wait times, impacting vulnerable victims such as rape survivors. Accreditation standards are not being met, with 10,000 criminal cases affected by the Randox scandal. Police laboratories must achieve accreditation by October 2022 to ensure public confidence and compliance with standards.

▸ Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy