Lib Dem candidate challenges MP to speak out about data loss

Lib Dem Parliamentary candidate Councillor Wera Hobhouse has expressed concern that the loss of personal data by the government could lead to misery among residents in Heywood and Middleton.

The Liberal Democrat spokeswoman for Heywood and Middleton will contest the Heywood and Middleton parliamentary seat with Labour MP Jim Dobbin at the next general election. She has challenged MP Dobbin to speak up on the issue of data loss. She said: "The MP is silent on this important breach of personal data."

Councillor Hobhouse was responding to the latest in a series of instances of Government departments misplacing the personal details of UK residents. It emerged earlier this month that the DVLA had 'breached' data protection after a 'human error' led to what the organisation described as an 'isolated incident'.

Councillor Hobhouse believes that the Government is putting personal data of residents at risk.

The DVLA error followed similar incidents involving HM Revenue and Customs and the Department for Work and Pensions last month.

The Norden Councillor said: "I am once again extremely concerned that personal data is being lost of local residents in such a careless way. This is no way for the Government to function and it is now clear that this breach of trust with local residents is systematic across many Government Departments. Local residents are clear that the Government is failing in its primary role in protecting people.

"This Government is drifting from one crisis to another, confidence in the Government is at an all time low and it is clear that they are unable to take on the role of protecting people."