Bugging devices in ministerial offices across Whitehall could explain “why there are so many leaks” from the Government, peers have heard.
Concerns were raised in the House of Lords over the use of such devices, with Cabinet Office minister Lord True noting that he believed the point would be considered by an ongoing investigation.
Conservative peer Lord Howard of Rising had said the “mind boggles” at the potential scope of recording devices in Whitehall.
Matt Hancock resigned as Health Secretary after footage of him embracing an aide was leaked to The Sun.
Stefan Rousseau
Security reviews were launched in Westminster after the leak of compromising footage from Matt Hancock’s former office in the Department of Health and Social Care.
Mr Hancock quit as health secretary after CCTV images were leaked showing him breaching social distancing rules in an embrace with aide Gina Coladangelo.
Reviews were launched in both the DHSC and in Parliament after questions were raised about the security breach which allowed the footage to reach The Sun.
The Government has said it does not believe there were any “covert concerns” in the case of Mr Hancock.
Lord Howard said: “I make no comment on Matt Hancock but what happened to him does raise questions.
“Could the minister say whether the recent filming of the secretary of state for health in his office is part of a systematic intrusion into ministerial offices?”
I make no comment on Matt Hancock but what happened to him does raise some questions
He questioned whether or not it is appropriate for cameras to be in ministerial offices, adding: “It’s quite possible that highly-classified documents might be photographed.”
Lord Howard went on: “Are there bugging devices as well as cameras located in ministerial offices, and could that explain why there are so many leaks from all sorts of Government departments – senior, junior, wherever?
“Might that indicate that there are a lot of recording devices all over the place. The mind boggles.”
Cabinet Office minister Lord True replied: “He reflects a concern that has been expressed across the House, both about the potential security implications of such devices being in ministerial offices, the capture and use of such material, and how wide that might be.
“That has been commented on by a number of noble lords and I’m sure those responsible for the investigation, which is being supported by the Government security group, will take those points into account.”
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