Ex-parliament worker arrested under anti-hacking laws by counter-terror police

A counter-terror investigation has been launched into a man formerly employed in parliament who was arrested under anti-hacking laws.

The Metropolitan Police said the man, 40, was arrested in Coventry on Thursday on suspicion of offences under the Computer Misuse Act.

Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle announced to parliament on Monday that the former staff member had been detained, giving a "a brief statement about a security matter".

On Tuesday, a Met spokesperson said: "A 40-year-old man was arrested at an address in Coventry by detectives from Counter Terrorism Policing London... on suspicion of offences contrary to Section One of the Computer Misuse Act 1990.

"The man, who is a former employee at the Houses of Parliament, was taken into custody before being released on bail to a date in July.

"The allegations relate to when the man was employed at Parliament."

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The spokesperson said counter-terror police were leading the investigation, aided by the Met's Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command (PaDP).

The PaDP is responsible for guarding sensitive sites including the Houses of Parliament, Downing Street, and foreign embassies.

Enquiries continue.

(c) Sky News 2026: Ex-parliament worker arrested under anti-hacking laws by counter-terror police