In a speech to police officers in Kent, Tony Blair promised to provide an extra 109m in order to take DNA samples from everyone arrested in Britain. Because DNA provides a genetic code which is almost unique to each human being. In particular, material which can be tested for DNA is often available in the cases of violent crimes such as rape and murder. Now police officers will be able to match the samples against a massive database. Because he is attempting to combat a widespread public perception that Labour is failing on the issue of law and order.
Polls show that the Conservative party has pulled ahead on the issue.
In response, ministers have been this week making a series of announcements on crime - including a bid by Jack Straw, the home secretary, to recruit more officers. Mr Blair's speech is part of this campaign. Yes - though it's not quite as significant as the PM claims. The police already have the power to take DNA samples from people they arrest and the national database is also in place. The prime minister's speech does not mean that the law will be changed.