... as Virgin faces data protection probe over CCTV images

VIRGIN Trains was last night facing an investigation by the Information Commissioner over its decision to release CCTV footage of Jeremy Corbyn on one of its trains.

In a highly unusual move, the firm released a series of images from security cameras on the 11am London to Newcastle service to rebut claims by Mr Corbyn that he had been forced to sit on the floor.

The pictures from August 11 clearly show the Labour leader walking past rows of empty, unreserved seats before settling down on the floor to record a video interview, complaining about overcrowding on the service.

But the Information Commissioner’s Office yesterday said it was investigating whether Virgin had breached data protection laws by making the footage of Mr Corbyn public.

ICO guidance suggests that CCTV footage should normally be released only to the police, not the media.

A spokesman for the regulator said: ‘All organisations have an obligation to comply with the Data Protection Act and must have legitimate grounds for processing the personal data they hold.

‘Where there’s a suggestion that this hasn’t happened, the ICO has the power to investigate and can take enforcement action if necessary.’

A Virgin Trains spokesman said the company had not been approached by the ICO, but intended to answer any questions asked.

The ICO said it had not received a complaint about Virgin’s conduct, but had decided to act after seeing media coverage of the row.