Mercer could face action over refusal to disclose names

PLYMOUTH MP and veterans minister Johnny Mercer has been warned by the chairman of the independent inquiry into alleged murders by special forces in Afghanistan of "potentially serious legal consequences" after he refused to disclose names to the investigation.

- JOSH PAYNE

Sir Charles Haddon-Cave told Johnny Mercer, the MP for Plymouth Moor View, his decision to "refuse to answer legitimate questions... at a public inquiry" were "disappointing... surprising... and completely unacceptable".

On Tuesday, Mr Mercer repeatedly refused to hand over names of "multiple officers" who told him about allegations of murder and a cover-up during his time as a backbench MP, while giving evidence to the inquiry at the Royal Courts of Justice.

He told counsel to the inquiry Oliver Glasgow, KC: "The one thing you can hold on to is your integrity and I will be doing that with these individuals." Mr Mercer added: "The simple reality at this stage is, I'm not prepared to burn them - not when, in. judgr you are already speaking to people who have far greater knowledge of what was going on."

On Wednesday, the chairman told Mr Mercer "you need to decide which side you are really on" as he criticised the minister's approach as "a misguided understanding of the term integrity and an inappropriate sense of loyalty"