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The electronic device was discovered during a routine check at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government in Westminster, central London
18:59, 10 Jun 2026 Updated 20:14, 10 Jun 2026
A hidden camera has been found in a ceiling panel in a Government building.
The electronic device was discovered during routine checks at the Westminster building housing the Home Office and Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).
Home Office Minister Lord Hanson confirmed the device was found in a communal area of the MHCLG building, which took decisions relating to the planning permission for the new Chinese embassy in London.
Hanson said the device was not near any ministerial offices and assured members that its discovery did not point to foreign interference.
But peers raised fears it may have been where civil servants were working on the application. According to the i Paper, the device was discovered in a ceiling panel.
Conservative shadow Home Office minister Lord Davies of Gower said he believed it was "highly likely" that China was behind it because of the embassy bid. The application was approved earlier this year.
Lord Hanson suggested members of the security services were involved in a probe into the discovery. He said: "In line with the practice of successive administrations, this Government does not comment on the detail of internal security matters.
"I can confirm an electronic device was found in a communal area of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government during a routine security check. The device was not in, or near ministerial offices, and is currently being investigated by the appropriate agencies.
"The Government have also looked into the Daily Mail report and previous coverage and have not discovered any evidence of a tracking device being placed in prime ministers' cars. This is based on inquiries made at the time and more recently."
The report states that there is no suggestion that Russian or Chinese agents are responsible for the device. An MHCLG spokesperson said: "We do not comment on security matters."
Shadow minister, Alex Burghart told The i Paper: "This is a serious incident that demands urgent investigation".
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"The discovery of a hidden camera inside a building that occupies the Home Office and other departments raises questions about the security of government departments and those seeking to undermine them."
He added: "We urgently need to know who was responsible, how long this device was in place and whether any sensitive or classified information has been compromised."
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Read the full article at Daily Mirror →📄Source document: Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG)→3 reports
Daily MirrorParty-alignedCenter11 days agoA hidden camera was discovered in a ceiling panel during a routine check at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government in Westminster. The device was found in a communal area of the building, which handles planning permissions for the new Chinese embassy in London. Home Office Minister Lord Hanson stated the device was not near any ministerial offices and denied any foreign interference. However, Conservative shadow Home Office minister Lord Davies of Gower suggested China might be responsible due to the embassy application, which was approved earlier this year. Lord Hanson also
Bias read (Center): The article reports on the discovery of a hidden camera in a government building without taking a clear stance on the implications or assigning blame. It includes statements from both Lord Hanson and Lord Davies of Gower, presenting differing perspectives without overt bias.
BBC News (UK)State / PublicCenter12 days agoA hidden camera was discovered in a government building located at the Marsham Street complex in Westminster, which houses the Home Office and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). The device was found behind a ceiling panel in the communal area of the building within the last two months. Security services have been informed. The Home Office confirmed the camera was found in MHCLG's section of the building, away from ministerial offices. An MHCLG spokesperson declined to comment on security matters. Tory shadow Cabinet Office minister Alex Burghart called for an 'U
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information without overtly biased language or framing. It reports on the discovery of a hidden camera in a government building, citing multiple sources including the i newspaper, Home Office sources, and a Tory MP. There is no clear ideological slant in the wording or o
The IndependentIndependentCenter12 days agoA hidden camera was discovered in a ceiling panel at the Westminster government complex, which houses the Home Office and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). The device was found in a communal area of the building, not near ministerial offices. Security services have been informed, but no suspects have been identified. The device is not believed to be linked to Russian or Chinese agents. The MHCLG declined to comment on security matters, while a shadow chancellor called for an urgent investigation into the incident.
Bias read (Center): The article presents facts without overtly favoring any political side. It includes quotes from both official sources (MHCLG) and opposition figures (Alex Burghart), providing balanced perspectives on the issue. There is no clear ideological framing or biased language.
Official sources cited
- government Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG)
- press release The i Paper
United Kingdom