Ex-Veterans Minister Cooperates with Afghan Killings Inquiry Amidst Controversy Over Concealed Identities

Former veterans minister provides additional details to the Afghan killings investigation amid controversy over disclosing identities

Johnny Mercer, despite a recent update from the investigation, maintains that he has not disclosed the names of the officers who informed him of homicides and cover-ups during the Afghan conflict, stating he would "not betray those I served with".

Political correspondent @NifS

Thursday, July 25, 2024, 6:

A former minister for veterans has submitted additional details to the Afghanistan investigation following a dispute about whether he would disclose the identities of individuals who informed him of purported killings by UK special forces in the nation.

During the investigation, Sir Charles Haddon-Cave persistently urged Johnny Mercer to identify the individuals who informed him of the purported killings by British forces. The ex-Conservative MP could potentially face imprisonment if he fails to do so.

However, Mr. Mercer, a former military officer, consistently declined to disclose the identities of the "several officers" he alleged had informed him of accusations involving murder and concealment during his time as a backbench MP.

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An announcement made on Thursday by the inquiry noted that Mr. Mercer had "submitted additional details following the section 21 notice [indicating potential action] and consented to offer more help to the inquiry," and continued: "The inquiry team will proceed with this information."

In a recent tweet, Mr. Mercer stated that he has yet to disclose the names, noting that despite acknowledging the inquiry's statement, his stance has not altered since the start of the year.

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Mr. Mercer, who was not re-elected in the recent general election, stated: "I am committed to fully supporting this significant investigation. I refuse to disclose confidences shared with me by those I served alongside, regardless of the consequences."

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He emphasized, “As I’ve consistently mentioned, it is completely improper to disclose the identities of those who have confided in me without their permission.

To clarify: I have not engaged in the actions in question and I have no intention to do so. I will continue to support the investigation, except in areas outside its scope.

"This situation has put undue pressure on myself and my loved ones. As I am no longer in the public eye, I will not be making any additional comments."

In 2023, the Conservative government initiated the Afghanistan Inquiry to examine claims of unauthorized killings during the conflict in Afghanistan from 2010 to 2013.

The investigation is looking into whether a special forces group, referred to as UKSF1, implemented a practice of killing men considered to be of "fighting age" who were not a threat in Afghanistan during that period.

Afghan households have alleged that British special forces engaged in a "campaign of murder" targeting civilians, and claim that high-ranking officials and staff within the Ministry of Defence "attempted to obstruct proper investigations."

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The dispute concerning the names has persisted for several months, with Mr. Mercer initially informing the inquiry in February—a forum that shields witnesses from prosecution under the Official Secrets Act or for repeatedly failing to report misconduct—about the information he received from former officers.

Following multiple requests for the submission of names, Sir Charles established today as the ultimate deadline, stating that Mr. Mercer could submit them "confidentially and discreetly." He assured that the investigation would "safeguard the anonymity of sensitive sources" and shield them from "potential legal action."

Mr. Mercer stated that he had promised the junior staff who confided in him about the killings that he would protect their anonymity, and he planned to honor that commitment.

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