Lexie's Law a step nearer

SERVING soldiers could have their DNA retained by the Ministry of Defence in future in a bid to prevent paternity disputes, thanks to a campaign by a Warrington MP.
Responding to a question from Warrington South MP David Mowat, Prime Minister David Cameron promised to “convene a meeting with MOD Ministers about the action we can take to stop these problems happening in the future”
Last year Mr Mowat raised the case of Lexie-Mai Hickman Wade, of Warrington, whose father, the late Private Daniel Wade of 3rd Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment, was killed on active duty while serving in Lashkar Gar province in Afghanistan.
Because Pte Wade and Lexie’s mother were not married, the MoD refused to release a sample of his DNA because it had not been collected for that purpose.
That meant his name could not be on Lexie’s birth certificate.
Mr Mowat urged the MoD to follow the US Army’s example of routinely storing the DNA of serving soldiers to prevent further incidents.
He said: “Sadly our brave servicemen and women sometimes have to make the ultimate sacrifice. Because they are usually young they often leave devastated families and relationships behind.
“Fortunately Lexie-Mai now knows who her father is and I was proud to attend her Christening recently.
“Now we need a ‘Lexie’s Law’ to prevent other families from having to go through the same experience.
“I am pleased that the Prime Minister recognises the importance of this issue.”
Pictured: David Mowat speaking in the Commons.