Prominent UK politicians are calling on the government to launch an inquiry after the personal details of 1,000 prominent celebrities were posted on a government website. 

Sir Bob Kerslake, who was head of the civil service between 2012 and 2014 and is a cross bench peer, has been at the forefront of calls as to how the details, such as phone numbers and addresses, were published online. 

The personal details of those who were included in the New Year's Honours list were published in a downloadable list at 2230 GMT on Friday. 

The cabinet office said the document was on the website for approximately an hour, but the list was also circulated on social media. 

The New Year's Honours list, is part of the British honours system in which New Year's Day is marked by awarding knighthoods and bestowing other orders of chivalry and official honours. 

This year's list included stars from film, show business and sport. Olivia Newton-John was on the list along with Sam Mendes, Steve McQueen and cricketer Clive Lloyd. 

The leaked addresses include those of Sir Elton John and former director of public prosecutions Alison Saunders. 

Also on the list of 1,097 honours recipients were former Conservative Party leader Iain Duncan Smith, TV cook Nadiya Hussain and former Ofcom boss Sharon White. 

The New Year's Honours have been awarded since Queen Victoria's reign in the 19th century. It not only recognizes well-known figures but also those who have contributed to national life through significant contributions over many years.