New telephone database a step too far

7.00.00am GMT Tue 15th Jul 2008

Commenting on the Information Commissioner's criticisms of the proposed Government-run telephone and internet communications database, Liberal Democrat Shadow Home Affairs Secretary, Chris Huhne said:

"Richard Thomas is right, this database would be an Orwellian step too far.

"Ministers have shown time and time again that they cannot be trusted with sensitive data. There is no reason to think they will be any less slapdash with our phone and internet records."