New organ donation regulations introduced

Anyone applying for a driving licence will now have to answer whether they want to sign up to the NHS Organ Donation Register.

The new guidelines came into force on Monday (August 1st) and the Department of Health hopes to significantly increase the number of people becoming part of the scheme.

Previously, the question on the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency website was not compulsory, but now applicants will need to say whether or not they want to join.

"We want to make it easier for people to sign up to the Organ Donor Register when they apply for their driving licence and encourage everyone to discuss their organ donation wishes," explained Anne Milton, a Conservative MP and health minister.

She went on to laud the contribution of people who donate organs, saying it is a selfless act.

According to the Daily Mail, the compulsory question system could also be used for passport applications in the future.