- Hunt praises Wragg for apology over MPs’ numbers leak
- Leaked numbers linked to parliamentary sexting scheme under scrutiny
- Concerns raised over security following Wragg’s “manipulation” admission
The Metropolitan Police had previously stated that it was evaluating reports of a parliamentary honeytrap sexting scheme.
The chancellor commended Conservative MP William Wragg for his “courageous and fulsome” apology to The Times following his admission that he had revealed the personal phone numbers of MPs.
According to Jeremy Hunt, the news was “extremely cause for concern.
The Metropolitan Police had previously stated that it was evaluating reports of a parliamentary honeytrap sexting scheme.
According to Mr. Wragg, he was “manipulated” into providing the personal information of colleagues to a man he met through a dating application.
Mr. Hunt told reporters in Guildford, “The implicated Member of Parliament has issued a resolute and courageous apology; however, this incident teaches all Members of Parliament the gravity of their cyber security responsibilities.”
However, this sentiment has yet to be shared by all politicians. Sadiq Khan, the Labour mayor of London, told Politico that Mr. Wragg ought to resign if the prime minister does not dismiss him first.
On the news website, he stated, “I believe the situation has reached a point where he ought to resign as a legislator.” Additionally, Rishi Sunak’s assessment appears to be questioned.
Mr. Wragg, the chair of a select committee and Conservative member of parliament for Hazel Grove, disclosed the information to The Times on Thursday evening.
He stated to the newspaper, “They had contraband on me.” I would not be left alone by them.
“They would request individuals.” I provided them with a subset of the numbers. I ordered him to cease. Because he manipulated me, I have since caused harm to others.
“While speaking with a man on an application, we exchanged photographs. We had planned to meet for cocktails but ultimately failed to do so.
Then, he began to inquire about the number of individuals. Concerned, I noticed that he had something on me. Currently, the WhatsApp number that he provided me is inoperable. My weakness has harmed one.
“I was terrified. I feel horrified. I deeply regret that my frailty has inflicted harm upon others.”
This week, it has been reported that political correspondents, a serving minister, and several members of parliament (MPs) received unsolicited messages from two unidentified WhatsApp users.
Leicestershire Police are investigating a complaint of malicious communications, according to a spokesperson, following the delivery of several unsolicited messages to a Leicestershire member of parliament last month.
Apologizing, Wragg “exhibited maturity and common sense.”
Mr. Wragg, 36, who has previously declared his intention to resign before the upcoming election, was endorsed by Conservative peer Mark Garnier.
Mr. Garnier stated, “I believe everyone, including William, would agree that he has made a mistake. However, I believe William has come forward to The Times very dignifiedly to make a statement about this.”
Mr. Wragg, also the vice chairman of the 1922 committee of backbench Conservative MPs, demonstrated “common sense and maturity,” according to him, by stepping forward to assist to the greatest extent possible.
Mr. Garnier responded affirmatively when asked whether such “honeytraps” were a frequent occurrence for members of parliament.
“Massive interest” MPs for hostile states
Mr. Wragg’s conduct, according to former MI6 chief Richard Dearlove, was “so stupid from a security standpoint that it does not merit a serious commentary.”
“Any member of parliament is of immense interest to a hostile foreign intelligence service,” he continued. While not inherently for secret collection, rather offer valuable insights into the behavioral weaknesses of colleagues.”
The lead specialist of the House of Commons parliamentary and diplomatic protection team, Philip Grindell, stated that politicians receive ample training and counsel on “honey trapping” and that “complacency” is the greatest threat to MPs.
According to him, the tale sparked a “slight exaggeration” because the texts do not seem to constitute “a cyber security breach or anything similar.”
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“It could have begun as something quite harmless, but then someone could have discovered who this individual is and exploited that situation.” Potentially, it is a state actor. “It is possible that it is an expert criminal.”
Professor of intelligence studies at the University of Buckingham Julian Richards stated that the matter should be treated “extremely seriously” because “a variety of hostile states will constantly attempt a comprehensive set of attacks of this nature.”
He stated that prohibiting officials from using their mobile devices was an evident solution but “virtually impossible to implement.”
Because Mr. Wragg will not forfeit his position as party whip, he can maintain his membership in the Conservative parliamentary party.
“Parliament takes security extremely seriously and collaborates closely with the government in response to such incidents,” a spokesperson stated.
We offer individualized guidance by educating members and staff on managing digital safety and identifying potential security threats. Those who are impacted and have any concerns are urged to contact the parliamentary security department.
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