‘Security crisis’ fears as MoD loses hundreds of devices in ‘£1.6m’ blunder | Politics | News
Shocking new figures show more than 1,000 devices have been lost or stolen from the Ministry of Defense (MoD) since 2024, leading to claims of a “security crisis”. Most of the devices lost between January 2024 and March this year are believed to have been lost by staff.
None of the laptops, tablets and phones reported lost during the period were found. Replacing all devices could cost around £1.6 million, according to new data. Liberal Democrat defense spokesman James MacCleary called on Defense Secretary John Healey to “get it”.
To talk Sky NewsHe said the missing devices represented a “security crisis.” He added: “Every pound counts when our national security is at stake and the government’s defense investment plan is still lacking in implementation – but the Ministry of Defense is leaking money due to fundamental incompetence.
“Seeing taxpayers’ cash disappear into a black hole of lost laptops and stolen phones is a kick in the teeth – every pound spent replacing an iPad is a pound taken from the frontline.”
Shadow Defense Secretary James Cartlidge said the statistics, released by the Ministry of Defense following a Freedom of Information request and shared exclusively with Sky News, were a “real concern”.
According to MSB data, 132 laptops and tablets and 36 phones are believed to have been stolen in a 27-month period starting from January 2024. The remaining devices are believed to have been lost by staff.
A Ministry of Defense spokesperson said: “We take the security of defense assets extremely seriously and have robust policies and procedures in place to prevent loss and theft.
“If any assets are reported lost or lost due to suspected criminal activity, we take appropriate steps to investigate, prosecute and recover those items.”
