Every parliamentary written question tabled by Richard Burgon this session, with the full answer and department. Back to the MP page.
Showing 1–7 of 7 · Cabinet Office
(a) on what date Morgan McSweeney was granted Developed Vetting clearance; (b) whether Morgan McSweeney handled documents for which he would require Developed Vetting clearance prior to that date.
We do not comment on the details of individual clearances or national security as a matter of course.
With reference to the comments of the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government on LBC on 22 March 2026, on what date the Prime Minister’s former Chief of Staff reported the theft of his mobile phone to the Cabinet Secretary.
The former Chief of Staff’s phone was stolen, and he reported it at the time to the police and relevant teams in No10. This was before the Humble Address that was passed in February. The Government is committed to complying with the Humble Address in full, while continuing to support the Metropolitan Police with their investigation. I refer the Hon Member to the statement provided by the Metropolitan Police on 25 March and publication of the transcript confirming that the theft was reported.
Whether the Prime Minister’s former Chief of Staff reported the theft of his mobile phone to the Cabinet Secretary.
The former Chief of Staff’s phone was stolen, and he reported it at the time to the police and relevant teams in No10. This was before the Humble Address that was passed in February. The Government is committed to complying with the Humble Address in full, while continuing to support the Metropolitan Police with their investigation. I refer the Hon Member to the statement provided by the Metropolitan Police on 25 March and publication of the transcript confirming that the theft was reported.
What the Cabinet Office policy is on the backup and retention of messages on official mobile devices.
Civil Servants and ministers are required to follow the Non-Corporate Communications Channels (NCCCs) Guidance when using WhatsApp or similar messaging systems on their mobile device. This can be found on gov.uk.
What his Department's policy is on staff reporting the (a) loss and (b) theft of mobile devices; and whether that policy was followed for the theft of the Prime Minister's former Chief of Staff's mobile phone.
The former Chief of Staff’s phone was stolen, and he reported it at the time to the police and relevant teams in No10. This was before the Humble Address that was passed in February. The Government is committed to complying with the Humble Address in full, while continuing to support the Metropolitan Police with their investigation. I refer the Hon Member to the statement provided by the Metropolitan Police on 25 March and publication of the transcript confirming that the theft was reported.
With reference to the comments of the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government on LBC on 22 March 2026, whether his Department has been notified of a crime reference number for the theft of the Prime Minister’s former Chief of Staff’s mobile phone.
The former Chief of Staff’s phone was stolen, and he reported it at the time to the police and relevant teams in No10. This was before the Humble Address that was passed in February. The Government is committed to complying with the Humble Address in full, while continuing to support the Metropolitan Police with their investigation. I refer the Hon Member to the statement provided by the Metropolitan Police on 25 March and publication of the transcript confirming that the theft was reported.
With reference to the comments of the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government on LBC on 22 March 2026, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the theft of the Prime Minister’s former Chief of Staff’s mobile phone on national security.
The Government takes matters of national security very seriously, including cyber security, and has robust procedures in place to prevent the loss of sensitive information. However, the Government does not routinely comment on the specifics on matters relating to national security.