UK home secretary John Reid has announced the cancellation of the super database, which was intended to store information on everyone in one place. Even though it was abandoned due to cost implications, rather than as a result of public debate about our liberties, this has been heralded as a great success for those of us wanting a little breathing room from Nanny Reid's cuddly side.

It is, in fact, no victory at all. The government will still be creating the National Identity Register, collecting all sorts of data on us. The only difference is that now it will be on three other (super-reliable, I’m sure) computer systems. This is no sign of the government becoming a bit more enlightened; rather it's a case of opting for another, cheaper method of keeping an eye on us all.

The fact that a few billion pounds will no longer be wasted on a cyber-supernanny is probably a good thing. What still irritates, though, is that there will be three other computer systems that will store all our data. And in case you're thinking 'it's okay, only criminals need to worry about this', think again. If the police talk to you, they have the right to demand you provide a DNA sample. This will go on the database and will never be taken off, even if you are later proven to be innocent. Prime minister Tony Blair has reportedly said that the public supports this stealth expansion of the database 'because it is helping to track down murderers and rapists'.

Well, at least he is tacitly admitting he thinks we are all criminals-in-the-making.

Richard Reynolds