Johnny Mercer avoids threat of jail - for now

FORMER Plymouth MP and Veterans Minister Johnny Mercer, who refused to hand over names of witnesses who informed him of alleged war crimes in Afghanistan to an inquiry, despite threats of a potential prison term – has now “agreed to assist” the inquiry.

- CARL EVE

In March, Johnny Mercer was ordered by the chairman of the inquiry, Sir Charles Haddon-Cave, to hand over names of those who told him about alleged special forces murders in Afghanistan. The chairman told Mr Mercer – who lost his Plymouth Moor View seat earlier this month, along with his ministerial post – his decision to “refuse to answer legitimate questions... at a public inquiry” were “disappointing... surprising... and completely unacceptable”.

His words came after Mr Mercer refused to hand over names of “multiple officers” who he says told him about allegations of murder and a cover-up during his time as a backbench MP.

Providing his reasons for not disclosing the names, he told counsel to the inquiry, Oliver Glasgow KC, last month: “The one thing you can hold on to is your integrity and I will be doing that with these individuals.”

Sir Charles issued Mr Mercer with a a Section 21 notice on March 13, compelling him to hand over the names, which the inquiry have insisted will be “treated in confidence”.

In the order, the chairman said the consequences of failing to comply without reasonable excuse would be “a criminal offence punishable with imprisonment and/or a fine.”

Mr Mercer argued the point, submitting an application, arguing that he was either unable to comply with the order or it was not reasonable to comply with it.