Please find below my monthly piece for the Malton Gazette on the bravery of whistleblowers:
"The bravest man I’ve ever known.” A description of Sergei Magnitsky by Bill Browder, a now globally recognised name of a whistleblower who dared to take on Russian corruption.
Since being elected in 2015, I have been a staunch advocate for the protection and encouragement of whistleblowers. Those who bravely report wrongdoing should be able to do so without fear of reprisal. Whistleblowers are not fictitious figures depicted in books and films, they are our neighbours and friends. Indeed, my work on this in some part began here in Thirsk and Malton with my constituent Ian Foxley, who blew the whistle on corruption within defence procurement contracts in Saudi Arabia. Mr Foxley’s case highlighted the need for change and from the backbenches to the front, I have been honoured to be a part of these reforms.
Recognising this, the Government and more specifically my own department – Business and Trade - has taken significant steps to reform and strengthen the whistleblowing process, a reform made most poignantly by campaigner Alan Bates on the Post Office Horizon Scandal.
We’ve strived to make processes more transparent and effective, guiding employers on how to appropriately act on reports of wrongdoing. Critically, the law now protects whistleblowers from unfair treatment, and employers are held accountable if whistleblowers face harassment or bullying from colleagues.
Our commitment to improving this framework is unwavering. The government is currently reviewing its effectiveness in meeting its intended objectives. This research is nearing completion, and based on its findings, we will chart the next steps.
Additionally, we have published guidance for prescribed persons – those in positions to receive and act on whistleblowing information. This guidance elucidates their roles and provides advice on not only complying with legal requirements but also on best practices that extend beyond the legislation.
It's important to understand that whistleblowing is not just about individual acts of courage; it's about creating an culture where such acts are recognised, protected, and valued. This involves legislative action, yes, but also a broader cultural shift – one that recognises whistleblowers not as traitors, but as guardians of our collective well-being. Contrastingly, in many schools and prisons, being labelled a "snitch" is deemed contemptible. Such language fundamentally misunderstands the essence of whistleblowing.
The progress we've made in strengthening the whistleblowing framework is significant, but our work is far from over. As we move forward, let us remember that these “public heroes”, as Alakbarov calls them, are all around us. On a societal level, it's a necessary act, pivotal in uncovering negligence, corruption, or dishonesty – issues that, if left unaddressed, could harm us all.
