“The sex offenders’ register has existed since 1997. Since that time it has helped the police to protect the public from these most horrific of crimes. Requiring serious sexual offenders to sign the register for life – as they do now – has broad support from across this House. However, the Supreme Court ruled last April that not granting sex offenders the opportunity to seek a review is a breach of their human rights – in particular, the right to a private or family life.  These are rights, of course, that these offenders have taken away from their victims in the cruellest and most degrading manner possible. The government is disappointed and appalled by this ruling – it places the rights of sex offenders above the right of the public to be protected from the risk of re-offending – but there is no possibility of further appeal.”

Full statement

Home Office, 16th February 2011

Source: www.homeoffice.gov.uk