A UK SUPREME COURT RULING means that thousands of convicted sex offenders in England and Wales have been given the right to appeal the inclusion of their name on the sex offenders register.

The AP reports that the Home Office said it was not clear when the legislation allowing this would be introduced.

Currently, offenders sentenced to at least 30 months in prison are added to the list, for life.

They must provide personal details and notify authorities of any change of address or plans to travel abroad. The Supreme Court ruled that the indefinite registration of two convicted sex offenders with no right of review breached their right to privacy.

In Scotland, legislators had already introduced a clause allowing convicted adults the opportunity to a review after 15 years on the register.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg told London radio station LBC 97.3 that public protection from sex offenders would not be eroded by new rules regarding the register.

He said changes would have to be made because of the court ruling, but it did not meant the government would let its guard down against sex offenders:

Let me be very clear: I am personally – and I am sure I speak for the whole Government – staunchly opposed to anything which weakens public protection against people who have committed really, really serious – in some cases almost evil – sexual offences. We are not going to do that.