In a Hardtalk interview on 14 July, the BBC's David Jessel speaks to Baroness Helena Kennedy, chair of the UK's Human Genetics Commission, about the safeguards in place to protect people from genetic discrimination.

Click here to watch the full interview

The British government has recently released its proposals for the future of genetic research and testing in the UK.

It approves a three year �50 million investment in research in gene therapy techniques to tackle inherited disease as well as gene testing for diagnostic purposes with the National Health Service (NHS).

The Human Genetics Commission advises the government.

Its Chair, Baroness Kennedy QC, says there needs to be a balance between embracing new technology and protecting peoples' rights.

She says although gene testing can identify if a person carries a particular gene responsible for a disease, gene mapping does not tell as much about a person as the public believes.

"The fact that you might carry a particular gene, for example schizophrenia, it may be because you have another gene you may never suffer from the disease," she says.

Some of the recommendations in the White Paper on Genetics include plans to make theft of DNA an offence and calls for consideration of new safeguards on the use of an individual's DNA by the insurance industry, employers and doctors.

Baroness Kennedy says DNA theft is a very real concern and the public is worried about the misuse of genetic material.

As a leading human rights lawyer, Baroness Kennedy is also calling on the British government to do more to ensure that prisoners at Guantanamo Bay are given fair trials.

US President George Bush has announced that six inmates should face trial in a military tribunal rather than a regular court.

"I think it is an outrage against due process and the right of law. I think it's shocking the US should have embarked on such a process when the US is looked to as one of the great democracies," Baroness Kennedy says.

Baroness Kennedy says the process raises serious human rights issues.

"I think it's concerning that other democracies like our own in Britain haven't been much more vociferous in criticising the US for this process."

HARDtalk can be seen on BBC World at 03:30 GMT, 08:30 GMT, 11:30 GMT, 15:30 GMT, 18:30 GMT and 23:30 GMT.

It can also be seen on BBC News 24 at 03:30 GMT and 22:30 GMT