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Details of Scots on stolen laptop Details of Scots on stolen laptop
(about 5 hours later)
A stolen Ministry of Defence computer had the personal details of almost 60,000 Scots stored on it.A stolen Ministry of Defence computer had the personal details of almost 60,000 Scots stored on it.
The revelation came in a written parliamentary answer to SNP defence spokesman Angus Robertson MP.The revelation came in a written parliamentary answer to SNP defence spokesman Angus Robertson MP.
The laptop, which was taken from a Royal Navy officer in Birmingham on 9 January, contained information about 600,000 people.The laptop, which was taken from a Royal Navy officer in Birmingham on 9 January, contained information about 600,000 people.
Mr Robertson said the scale of the problem was "staggering" and called for a thorough investigation. The MoD has set up a freephone help number on 0800 085 3600 for anyone who thinks they may have been affected.
The breakdown given to Mr Robertson disclosed that the details of 59,553 people in Scotland were lost as a result of the theft.The breakdown given to Mr Robertson disclosed that the details of 59,553 people in Scotland were lost as a result of the theft.
In Wales, the details of 37,546 people were lost, while in Northern Ireland 14,223 people were affected.In Wales, the details of 37,546 people were lost, while in Northern Ireland 14,223 people were affected.
In England, 459,778 were affected, and 34,667 people from elsewhere. The details of 459,778 people from England and 34,667 people from elsewhere were also on the laptop.
'Immediate concern''Immediate concern'
Mr Robertson said the scale of the problem was "staggering" and called for a thorough investigation.
Mr Robertson said: "The MoD's response to my questioning brings home the staggering scale of this data loss by the UK government.Mr Robertson said: "The MoD's response to my questioning brings home the staggering scale of this data loss by the UK government.
"The obvious and immediate concern must be the security of individuals, and their families, whose data has stolen, but we also urgently need assurances from the MoD that operational security has not been compromised by this grave breach."The obvious and immediate concern must be the security of individuals, and their families, whose data has stolen, but we also urgently need assurances from the MoD that operational security has not been compromised by this grave breach.
"It is just unfathomable that the MoD could let this happen, and we must now have a top level investigation into data security right across UK Government departments.""It is just unfathomable that the MoD could let this happen, and we must now have a top level investigation into data security right across UK Government departments."
The laptop contained personal details of people who had joined the Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Royal Air Force and from people who had expressed an interest in joining.The laptop contained personal details of people who had joined the Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Royal Air Force and from people who had expressed an interest in joining.
Entries on the computer included passport details, National Insurance numbers, drivers' licence details, family details, doctors' addresses and NHS numbers, the MoD said.Entries on the computer included passport details, National Insurance numbers, drivers' licence details, family details, doctors' addresses and NHS numbers, the MoD said.
West Midlands Police began an investigation into the theft of the laptop, and an inquiry into military security was also launched.West Midlands Police began an investigation into the theft of the laptop, and an inquiry into military security was also launched.
The MoD's helpline will be open from 0700 GMT to 1900 GMT, Monday to Friday.
Callers will be asked to provide their name, date of birth and post code to verify whether they are at risk.