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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Margaret Davies

Counter-terror police arrest former parliament worker under anti-hacking laws

Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle announced on Monday that the former staff member had been detained - (Reuters/Phil Noble)

A former houses of Parliament employee has been arrested under anti-hacking laws.

A 40-year-old man was arrested in Coventry on Thursday on suspicion of offences under the Computer Misuse Act, the Metropolitan Police said.

Counter-terrorism police are leading the investigation.

On Tuesday, a Met spokesperson said: “A 40-year-old man was arrested at an address in Coventry by detectives from Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) London on Thursday April 16 on suspicion of offences contrary to Section One of the Computer Misuse Act 1990.

“The man, who is a former employee at the Houses of Parliament, was taken into custody before being released on bail to a date in July. The allegations relate to when the man was employed at Parliament.

“The investigation is being led by officers from Counter-Terrorism Policing London, with support from the Met’s Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection (PaDP) Command. Enquiries continue.”

Counter-terrorism police are leading the investigation (Anthony Devlin/PA)

The Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command is responsible for guarding sensitive sites including the Houses of Parliament, Downing Street and foreign embassies.

Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle announced on Monday that the former staff member had been detained, as he made “a brief statement about a security matter” at the start of business.

The law covers unauthorised access to computer material, includes intent to commit or facilitate further offences, and unauthorised modification of computer material.

“I want to make a brief statement about a security matter,” Sir Lindsay said.

“I’ve been informed by the police that a former parliamentary employee was arrested last week under the Computer Misuse Act 1990.

“The police investigation is ongoing. As you know, we do not discuss the details of such issues on the floor of the House.

“This is an ongoing criminal investigation. I do not intend to take any further point of order on this matter. I will update members when I’m in a position to share more information.”

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