House of Commons · Westminster Hall
02 July 2025 · 6 other contributors · 7,827 words
Opened by Lloyd Hatton Lab South Dorset
Responding minister: Justin Madders
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Lloyd Hatton raised concerns about whistleblowers in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
The Government should consider introducing a legal duty for companies to hold investigations into legitimate whistleblower concerns and create a whistleblower award initiative. Whistleblowers often suffer immense professional, personal and psychological harm, so we need better protections and rewards.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
Whistleblowers bravely expose wrongdoing and alert law enforcement agencies about criminal activity, notably in illicit financial activities where whistleblowers detected 43% of fraud last year. The case of Raphaël Halet highlights the positive impact whistleblowers can have, but also the risks they face, as Mr Halet was criminally charged in Luxembourg before being exonerated ten years later.
Whistleblowers are vital in exposing wrongdoing, protecting taxpayer money, upholding ethical standards and sometimes saving lives. Under the previous Conservative Government, they took steps to support whistleblowers such as expanding prescribed persons list and introducing new protections for health and social care staff.
Acknowledged the importance of whistleblowing by sharing a true story about a friend who was affected personally, physically, emotionally and financially after being a whistleblower. Emphasised the risks involved for individuals in exposing problems like fraud or corruption. Discussed a friend named Brian who faced challenges as a whistleblower and emphasised the importance of protection following disclosure.
Summarised contributions of hon. Members, thanked Jim Shannon for outlining the bravery of his constituent Brian and Sarah Russell for describing high-risk culture around whistleblowers. Highlighted Phil Brickell's tireless work on economic crime and Steve Darling's assertion that society benefits from whistleblowers.
Economic crime costs the UK £350 billion a year, equivalent to 15% of GDP. Whistleblowers are crucial in uncovering fraud and corruption but often face career-ending consequences for speaking up. The US has seen significant returns due to whistleblower disclosures, amounting to $50.4 billion recovered from civil fraud cases involving Government funds. Raised the issue of financial incentives for whistleblowers and mentioned $50.4 billion recovered in the US.
Highlights gaps in existing law, including exclusion of self-employed individuals and difficulty in proving mistreatment due to whistleblowing. Advocates for changes to protect all whistleblowers. Corrected an error made during the debate, highlighting the need for timely corrections. Emphasised the importance of transparency and whistleblowing protections in the armed forces. Mentioned expanding the definition of those covered by whistleblowing legislation, including the self-employed and non-executive directors.
Strengthening law on whistleblowing is needed as people leave themselves open to harm if they do the right thing. Liberal Democrats want an office of the whistleblower and laws strengthened so that people are protected, but most of all we need a culture change. Highlighted the cultural shift in the airline safety sector that empowers people to speak up.
Government Response
Justin MaddersThe Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business and Trade
Acknowledged the contributions made to the debate on whistleblower protections, noting that while the Public Interest Disclosure Act is considered world-leading, there is work to be done in modernising the framework. The Government aims to strengthen protections but raises questions about implementing a duty for employers to investigate disclosures. Discussed strengthening HMRC’s scheme to encourage reporting of high-value tax fraud and avoidance, noting a new scheme targeting serious non-compliance by large companies. Acknowledged the need for public awareness about whistleblowing legislation and mentioned ongoing work on expanding legal protections for whistleblowers.