Security of Ministers’ Offices and Communications

Question

Asked whether offices of Ministers or MPs have recording devices; who authorised them; who has access to the recordings; their purposes; retention periods; if the Wilson doctrine is breached; surveillance practices; and measures preventing illicit recordings or devices.

Question

Asked for further updates when more details about the investigation become available; questioned whether Ministers conduct business via departmental email addresses; raised concerns over private email usage and its implications on security, freedom of information, and evidence preservation for public inquiries.

Question

Asked about safeguards for whistleblowers who may inadvertently discover material of public interest.

Question

Was the former Health Secretary aware of a CCTV camera in his office? Is the Minister aware of similar cameras in any other ministerial offices? Who installs such systems and who monitors them? What is recorded by these systems?

Question

Will the Minister assure that no microphones are hidden in ministerial offices? Will regular checks be conducted for such devices?

Question

How covert was the security camera in question? Should Ministers be aware of such devices?

Question

Is there any evidence to suggest foreign powers were involved with the camera installed in the Department of Health and Social Care?

Question

Have checks been made to determine if other internal offices have covert devices installed? What is the origin of the device used in this case?

Question

Will the matter be investigated urgently to address questions on why a camera was installed and how footage came into public domain?

Question

Did Ministers use private email addresses to approve contracts, misleading the public about this? Will there be an independent investigation?

Question

Should Ministers have the space to discuss matters of high confidential nature without fear or favour?

Question

Are there common rules on where cameras can and cannot be sited in ministerial offices?

Question

Given the concerns about private email use, can assurances be given on privacy and security?

Question

Will the Department work with security teams across Government to protect privacy and security of all Ministers?

Question

Is it acceptable to have covert surveillance in ministerial offices? Should there be transparency regarding issues such as private email use?

Question

Inquires about the procedures in place across Government to ensure Ministers can read sensitive documents safely.

Question

Questions the Lord Chancellor's claim that the Secretary of State knew about a camera being present in his office, suggesting incredulity.

Question

Asks about whether other Ministers were aware of a camera in meetings with the former Secretary of State.

Question

Challenges the Minister's statements about the camera not being covert and questions the legality of using private emails for Government business.

Question

Raises concerns about transparency, honesty, and integrity within the Government, specifically regarding use of private emails and cameras.

Question

Inquires about the legality of using private emails for Government business and its implications under the Freedom of Information Act.

Question

Asks if the leak warrants an investigation by intelligence agencies once concluded.

Question

Proposes a protocol from the Cabinet Office to notify all Government employees about listening or visual devices in their workplace.

Question

Questions the Minister’s complacency over leaked footage from a Government building, demanding clarity on camera locations and access.

Question

Suggests challenging guidance given to officials and Ministers about secure communications, citing difficulties in accessing secure devices.

Question

Critiques the Government's approach to information and communications security, requesting assurance on changes being made.

Question

Can the Minister confirm that it would be a criminal offence for any Minister to destroy communications they have made about Government business on private emails or messaging apps, particularly in relation to defeating the ends of justice regarding freedom of information requests or inquiries into the covid crisis?

Question

Given the importance and sensitivity of security, should we not centralise this to ensure every Department complies and there is no aberrant behaviour?

Question

Would it not be a good idea if the Prime Minister made a statement telling us exactly when he first knew about the device and its contents, especially given that respected former Ministers in the Chamber were unaware of these cameras?

Question

Will my hon. Friend liaise with her Department and the Cabinet Secretary to ensure any information about who had access to video footage is fed into Mr Speaker's investigation?

Question

May I ask the Minister to stress how unsatisfactory the situation is and demand not only that it never happens again but that we get the answers she has been unable to furnish today?

Question

Is a Department-led inquiry sufficient for the gravity of this situation? Will she consider whether this leak was a breach of the Official Secrets Act?

Question

Is a Department-led inquiry sufficient for this situation? We need to understand security risks of Ministers doing business by private email, and we need assurance that parliamentary emails should be used.

Question

Does my hon. Friend agree that we need a root-and-branch change in trust and behaviour of the civil service?

Question

When I was a Minister, parliamentary emails or private emails were not allowed for Government business. Will the Minister confirm whether using private email accounts to discuss sensitive Government information is in breach of certain Acts?