Equipment and Weapons Lost, Not Stolen

Defence Minister Andrew Murrison has disclosed that the Ministry of Defence (MoD) lost four weapons in 2023 and three in 2022. However, he clarified that "none were stolen and all were lost in the UK." The revelation comes as the MoD also reported the disappearance of thousands of security passes for defence buildings in the past year.

Call for Official Investigation

The Liberal Democrats have demanded that the government "come clean" and initiate an official inquiry into the theft of equipment, the extent of losses, and the potential involvement of "hostile intelligence services." The Labour Party has also called on the Tories to take action and ensure the safekeeping of equipment.

213 Thefts in the Past Year

In a written parliamentary answer, the MoD disclosed a total of 213 thefts in the year leading up to December. The stolen items varied widely and included service equipment, IT/Telecoms equipment, cash, fuel, and even instances of stolen metal. The list also revealed the disappearance of firearms, with a handgun, a rifle, and two automatic weapons going missing.

MoD Emphasizes Security Measures

The MoD has emphasized its commitment to the security of defence assets and stated that robust procedures are in place to prevent losses and thefts. The spokesperson added that all devices are encrypted to protect any stored information.

Liberal Democrat frontbencher Sarah Olney expressed concern over the potential risks posed by stolen MoD equipment and called for an official inquiry. Shadow defence minister Luke Pollard echoed these concerns and urged the government to take action to ensure the safety of the nation.