Former Defence Secretary Sir Grant Shapps Defends Secrecy Over 2022 Afghan Data Breach

Former Defence Secretary Sir Grant Shapps has defended the decision to maintain secrecy surrounding a 2022 data breach that exposed the details of nearly 19,000 Afghans and over 100 British officials, including spies and special forces members. In his first interview since the leak became public, Shapps told the BBC that prioritising the safety of individuals at risk of harm or death from the Taliban was ‘entirely justified’.

The breach, which occurred in February 2022, involved data of Afghans who had worked with the British government and applied for resettlement in the UK. A ‘super-injunction’ preventing the disclosure of the breach’s existence was lifted earlier this week, prompting Shapps’ comments.

Shapps, who became Defence Secretary in August 2023 shortly after the breach’s discovery, stated his focus was on ‘sorting out the mess and saving lives’. He defended the application of the injunction by his predecessor, arguing that it was crucial to prevent the exposed list from leading to violence against those on it. He expressed surprise that the order remained in place for so long, anticipating its end last year as risks diminished.

Addressing why the Intelligence and Security Committee was not informed, Shapps explained that ‘even a hint of this getting around’ posed incredibly high risks. He added that decisions on who was briefed were made in consultation with judges.

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