in case Chinese 'spy' manufacturers eavesdrop on top-secret information

The government department has leased hundreds of Chinese EVs to meet net zero targets, but it is feared inbuilt microphones might be recording and transmitting conversations.

And now a security notice has been issued across the MoD banning any sensitive conversations from happening inside the vehicles, The Sun reports.

'It's crazy. A lot of these electric cars are used by senior officers, who know a lot of secrets,' a source told the paper.

'It's normal to discuss work when they're driving, especially if everyone in the car is cleared to the same level or working on the same project.

'They aren't used to thinking the car might be listening — especially if the car has been issued by the UK MoD.'