The government has been criticised for not naming the perpetrator, and concern is mounting over the contractor that was targeted. China hacked Ministry of Defence, Sky News learns. The Chinese state has hacked the Ministry of Defence, Sky News understands. MPs will be told today of a massive data breach involving the MoD, targeting service personnel. The government will not name the country involved, but Sky News understands this to be China.

The Chinese state is to be accused of two or three attempts at hacking MoD employees – including personnel. The cyberattack was on a payroll system with current service personnel and some veterans. It is largely names and bank details that have been exposed. All salaries will be paid this month. Tobias Ellwood, a Conservative MP and former soldier, told Sky News that China “was probably looking at the financially vulnerable with a view that they may be coerced in exchange for cash”.

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps is expected to make a statement to the Commons today, with the BBC reporting he will set out a “multi-point plan” which will include action to protect affected service men and women. You can read more from Sky News below: Garrick Club votes to accept female members for first time in 193-year history The Garrick Club, a central London gentlemen’s club, has voted to accept women into the ranks of its membership for the first time in its near two-century history.

Founded in 1831, it is one of the oldest members’ clubs in the world, and its membership is drawn from across the British establishment. Among its ranks are said to be 1,500 members including at least 160 senior legal professionals, at least 10 serving MPs, dozens of Lords, heads of public institutions, actors, artists and businessmen. King Charles is even said to be a member, along with around 150 men with knighthoods who cough up the around £1,000 a year to get access to its dining rooms, luxury lounges and exclusive bedrooms.

Women have been effectively banned from becoming members, and until 2010 were barred from even visiting the club as the guest or spouse of a member. But in a vote this evening, the membership changed the rules to allow women to become full members.

Courtesy: By Sam Coates, deputy political editor