PARLIAMENTARY EARLY DAY MOTION
FUTURE OF THE FORENSIC SCIENCE SERVICE (26 January 2011)

That this House congratulates the staff of the Forensic Science Service (FSS) for the role they have played to deliver criminal justice in the UK, including its role in major investigations such as the Soham murders and the 7/7 terrorist attacks; expresses concern about the Government's proposals to wind-down the FSS by March 2012; believes that the breaking-up and transfer of responsibilities, specialised skills, intellectual property and employees of the FSS will damage the UK's leading role in forensic science research and development; is concerned that the Government's plans would place a critical aspect of the criminal justice system into a marketplace which is unstable and shrinking, without a clear understanding of the impact this will have on forensic capability and criminal justice; is mindful of the criticisms of these plans which have been voiced by campaigners like Sara Payne and scientific experts like Sir Alec Jeffreys; and calls on the Government to reverse its decision to close this world renowned organisation.

Sponsored by:
Steve McCabe (Labour)