Press statement – Johnny Mercer MP & whistleblower anonymity

“It is paramount that the identity of these whistleblowers are protected otherwise why would anyone come forward with information in the future? Mr Mercer is right to stand firm and protect his sources.  Armed forces whistleblowers are sitting ducks, with no legal protection for speaking up. They sit outside the law and have no defence or remedy if they are sacked or treated poorly after blowing for the whistle.

As an MP and former Minister Mr Mercer is advocating on behalf of the whistleblowers – it is not clear how knowing their names will change the context of their claims – unless the Inquiry Chair is calling their evidence into question.

Integrity is one of the key principles of public life and whistleblowers – who may fear reprisals for speaking up – should be able to trust MPs to protect them.
Sending the wrong message now will have serious implications for future whistleblowers coming forward.”