Two More Discs Missing in UK Data Fiasco

The fallout from the lost data fiasco in Britain continues, as the Times of London reveals that two more unencrypted discs containing sensitive personal information have been reported missing from the nation's tax agency. Gordon Brown faced down a furious opposition in Prime Minister's Questions yesterday. The PM has employed a "masochism strategy": take the hit now to keep Alistair Darling, his chancellor, in his job.

Police are continuing their search of the tax office in England's north and the national audit office in London for the missing discs, and the government has ordered five separate reviews of data security and transport. Yet the damage to Labour's reputation for competence may be lasting, with opposition leader David Cameron accusing the government of "systemic failure" to protect British citizens. (More Gordon Brown stories.)