Rail minister Huw Merriman had his work laptop stolen from a central London pub after going for a drink the day after mass strikes.

The computer was taken from under his seat in a Covent Garden venue on 2 February – just after “Walk-out Wednesday“, which saw teachers, train drivers and civil servants among hundreds of thousands of workers taking industrial action.

A government spokesperson said they took measures to protect such kit in case it gets into the wrong hands.

“We take the security of government devices extremely seriously,” they added, “which is why devices, such as laptops and mobile phones, are always encrypted so any loss does not compromise security.”

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A spokesperson from the Metropolitan Police confirmed they had been contacted about the theft of a bag “containing items including a laptop from a pub in James Street, W1”.

They added: “Following an investigation of all available evidence, including CCTV, no suspect was identified.

“The investigation has been closed and the victim informed of this outcome. If any further information comes to light it will be assessed and investigated accordingly.”

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