Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle informed MPs on Monday that a former parliamentary employee was arrested last week under the Computer Misuse Act 1990. The arrest was carried out by counter-terror detectives in Coventry on Thursday, April 16.
The 40-year-old man, a former employee of the Houses of Parliament, was taken into custody and questioned on suspicion of offences under the Computer Misuse Act, which covers unauthorised access to computer material. He has since been released on bail until July.
Speaking in the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay 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.' He added that the police investigation is ongoing and declined to discuss further details.
A parliamentary spokesperson confirmed awareness of the arrest but declined to comment due to the live police investigation, stating: 'The safety and security of everyone who works in or visits Parliament is our priority.'
The Metropolitan Police said the allegations relate to the man's time employed at Parliament. The investigation is being led by officers from Counter Terrorism Policing London, with support from the Met's Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command.
