British ministers have been barred from wearing Apple Watches during Cabinet meetings amid concerns that they could be hacked by Russian spies, The Telegraph reports exclusively.

Under David Cameron, several cabinet ministers wore the smart watches, including Michael Gove, the former Justice Secretary.

However, under Theresa May ministers have been barred from wearing them amid concerns that they could be used by hackers as listening devices.

Mobile phones have already been barred from the Cabinet because of similar concerns.

One source said: "The Russians are trying to hack everything."

Concerns have been raised after hackers obtained confidential emails from the Democratic National Congress during the U.S. election.

Russian hackers have also obtained the medical files of some of the world's most famous athletes.