Former parliamentary employee arrested under hacking laws

A former employee in the Houses of Parliament was arrested last week under anti-hacking laws, Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle has announced.

Addressing MPs at the start of business in the House of Commons on Monday, Sir Lindsay said the former staff member had been detained under the Computer Misuse Act 1990. The law covers unauthorised access to computer material, includes intent to commit or facilitate further offences, and unauthorised modification of computer material. He said: “I want to make a brief statement about a security matter. “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.” A parliamentary spokesperson said: “We are aware of the arrest of an individual under the Computer Misuse Act 1990, but as this is a live police investigation we are unable to comment further. “The safety and security of everyone who works in or visits Parliament is our priority.”

Published: 20/04/2026 by Radio NewsHub