In February, participants in the forum were asked what they thought of the government sharing data between departments in order to better deliver public services.After the forum, participants took home sheets asking them to consider the pros and cons of government data sharing, as well as other policy matters.What would the Citizen's Forum have made of data sharing if they had been made more aware of the arguments against the idea, or told why the DCA suspected government data sharing might require the peeling back of laws designed to protect their liberties?   more »

Labour's ruling National Executive Committee is expected to agree a timetable next week for the leadership election to replace Tony Blair. The BBC understands Labour officials have settled on a seven-week campaign for both the leader and deputy leader to run simultaneously. If, as widely predicted, it is after the Scottish and Welsh elections on 4 May, the country could have a new prime minister by 22 June.   more »

The Times has finally seen the proposals highlighted in this blog for a centralised database of fingerprints from across the Continent, fuelling fears on all sides of a Big Brother Europe. The Times only explains the scheme for a computerised collection of personal details drawn from all 27 countries in the EU is the latest in a raft of anticrime measures in the wake of the 9/11 attacks in the United States. Britain would be expected to contribute all the details held by police. These include fingerprints of suspects and people released without charge, as well as those convicted of crimes. The plan coincides with the Home Office preparing to expand the range of people fingerprinted to include those caught speeding or dropping litter.   more »