Whistleblowing in Defence

Calvin Bailey Excerpts

Wednesday 9th September 2026 Written Statements

[The Minister for Veterans and People (Mr Calvin Bailey)]

During passage of the Armed Forces Commissioner Act 2025, the Government committed to a review into whistleblowing in defence. I am pleased to confirm that this work is now complete, and I am placing a copy of the final report in the Library of the House.

This ministerial-led review considered the effectiveness of existing policies and procedures for raising concerns, with a focus on the armed forces. It examined the current policy landscape, how effectively it is communicated, and whether service personnel understand the protections that may be available to them when they raise concerns, including those relating to serious wrongdoing.

The review evaluated the consistency and accessibility of whistleblowing procedures across the armed forces and compared these with civilian frameworks, recognising that service personnel currently fall outside the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 in terms of legislation, but its provisions are extended to service personnel in policy.

The review concluded that the evidence does not point to a structural or legal deficit in the current framework. The issues identified are about how the system operates in practice and that implementation of the recommendations will focus on practical improvements to deliver the required clarity, accessibility, and trust.

Engagement with service personnel was at the heart of this work. The review adopted a best practice approach and drew on a range of consultation mechanisms to ensure the voices of those working in defence were heard clearly.

This review represents an important opportunity to strengthen protections for those who work in at all levels in the organisation, and to ensure that defence continues to foster a culture of accountability, transparency and trust.

The attachment “Whistleblowing in Defence Review (20260715-WBR Final Report-for external release.pdf)” can be viewed online at: http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-answers-statements/written-statement/Commons/2026-09-09/HCWS321/

[HCWS321]