The accidental release by the Government of personal data belonging to New Year’s honour recipients is deeply concerning.

Those who have received awards will unsurprisingly be angered and concerned about this significant breach of their personal data. I am in contact with the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) to ensure that whatever measures need to be taken to safeguard the security of any police officer, or member of their staff involved, are in place.

I fully expect this security breach to be investigated by the Information Commissioners Office so that that we can understand how this could have happened. It’s such a shame that this breach of data has overshadowed what is such a special occasion.