MOD have lost 744 devices and a WW1 machine gun since 2023

EMBARGO: IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Ministry of Defence has misplaced a total of 744 phones, laptops, computers and USB sticks over the last 24 months - along with a Glock and three WW1 and WW2 guns, figures uncovered by the Liberal Democrats have revealed.

The data for the lost or stolen firearms last year showed two lost WWII-era guns (a Luger pistol and Sten Gun), a WW1 machine gun (lost and subsequently found), and a stolen Glock pistol yet to be recovered.

744 electronic devices property of the Ministry of Defence have also been lost or stolen since the start of last year, the government revealed. Over the period, 260 phones have gone missing - rising from 101 lost in 2023 to 159 in 2024.

The figures were revealed in response to a series of parliamentary questions tabled by Liberal Democrat Defence Spokesperson Helen Maguire.

The Department lost 145 USB sticks over the same period, increasing substantially over the two years - from 20 to 125.  Of the device types disclosed, laptops were misplaced in the largest numbers, with 314 going missing over the two years. 25 desktop computers were also misplaced. 

Liberal Democrat Defence Spokesperson, Helen Maguire MP, commented: 

“The Government is more butterfingered than Goldfinger when it comes to national security. 

“The loss of these crucial resources is deeply concerning - especially at this time of heightened global security tensions. 

“Sensitive national safety information may end up in the wrong hands, while precious public money is spent on replacements in the meantime. And the theft of dangerous weapons should seriously raise alarm bells when it comes to security. 

“The Liberal Democrats are calling for an urgent inquiry into how these resources have been misplaced, and what is being done to make sure losses and thefts decrease in the new year.”

ENDS

Notes to Editor:

2024 devices lost: https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2024-12-13/20116

2023 devices lost: https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2024-12-02/17464

Firearms lost: https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2024-12-04/18068