UK: Children's Bill database concerns

Just wanted to raise some awareness of a rather sweeping and apparently rather dodgy bit of legislation on the way. The Children's Bill, which is currently going through Parliament (I think currently before the Lords) has a bit in it which potentially allows the government to set up a huge database with every UK child's name and address, plus opinions from lots of various people about their families and friends.

The justification offered is so that professionals can pool their knowledge to identify children at risk. However, the information which could be included goes miles beyond signs of abuse of particular children, and the privacy/security issues are major - it seems to me comparable with the identity card thing, but that's had a lot more publicity so far.

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Guardian articles here, here and here
Analysis/rant from Action on Rights for Children (ARCH) here

As ARCH puts it: "Ultimately, a computer cannot go round to a house and help a child who is distressed or in danger. Only a human being can do that."

Please spread the word around, and if you feel so moved, express your concerns to your MP and/or Tony Blair. ARCH also suggests writing to your GP, as they may not be aware yet of the implications for doctor/patient confidentiality.

Thanks for reading.