Military personnel who fear the consequences of speaking out could soon have far greater protection, as the government launches a sweeping review of whistleblowing across the armed forces.
Defence Minister Lord Coaker confirmed the move this week, describing it as a vital step toward rebuilding trust within the ranks. The announcement coincided with the Armed Forces Commissioner Bill completing its final stage in Parliament, paving the way for a new, independent commissioner to handle welfare matters in the military.
The bill, now awaiting Royal Assent, will replace the current Service Complaints Ombudsman with an Armed Forces Commissioner, though crucially, without initial powers to investigate whistleblowing cases. That omission sparked a standoff between the House of Commons and the House of Lords, with peers pushing for stronger protections.
MoD Responds to Pressure with New Review
The government’s compromise? A dedicated review of whistleblowing policies across Defence, led by Al Carns MP, the Minister for Veterans and People.
“We want our armed forces and their families to have confidence and trust in the system,” said Lord Coaker.
“They must feel empowered and protected when coming forward with their concerns.”
He told peers that after extensive debate in both chambers and input from outside Parliament, the government had committed to a full investigation into how whistleblower protections currently work, and how they could be strengthened.
In a joint letter sent to Baroness Goldie on July 9, Lord Coaker and Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard said the review would go beyond welfare and examine:
- Whether current whistleblowing policies are still fit for purpose
- How effectively they’re being communicated
- And whether new legislation is needed to reinforce protection
Initial findings are expected by the end of 2025, with a final report due in spring 2026.
“Substantive, Meaningful Process”
Baroness Goldie, who had championed an amendment to give the new commissioner direct whistleblowing powers, welcomed the review.
“I’ve accepted the government’s offer in good faith,” she said, calling the review a “substantive and meaningful process.”
The move marks a major moment for internal military reform, and for the thousands of serving personnel who have long called for a system that protects those who speak out from fear, reprisal, or silence.
