The Fight for Whistleblower Protections: A Panel Discussion with Dawn Butler MP
On Tuesday evening, a panel convened by Lawrence Davies LLM brought together Dawn Butler MP, Polina Zabrodskaya, and esteemed colleagues from WhistleblowersUK, Dr. Chris Day and Nigel McLennan, to discuss “Whistleblowers, Candour, Reward, and Retaliation.” The discussion highlighted the realities faced by whistleblowers and the urgent need for legislative reform.
Powerful Testimonies of Candour and Retaliation
Each panelist shared deeply moving insights into their experiences with whistleblowing and the personal costs endured for speaking out in the public interest:
Nigel McLennan exposed how trustees are left completely vulnerable when they seek to uphold integrity.
Dr. Chris Day voiced his frustration over the failure of the Employment Tribunal (ET) to challenge the deliberate destruction of evidence that supported his claim.
Polina Zabrodskaya drew striking parallels to Russia, emphasizing the extortionate and prohibitive costs of doing the right thing in both legal and moral terms.
Lawrence Davies made a compelling case for adopting a U.S.-style rewards system, advocating for punitive damages to deter wrongdoing and incentivize whistleblowing.
The room was packed with whistleblowers, many sharing their heart-wrenching stories, all united in a powerful call for legislative reform.
The Lone Parliamentarian in the Room
It was ironic that among all present, the only Parliamentarian in attendance was Dawn Butler MP. Her warmth and genuine compassion for those affected by failed whistleblowing laws were commendable. Her presence stood in stark contrast to the glaring absence of other MPs, highlighting the missed opportunity for wider Parliamentary engagement in the fight for whistleblower protections.
The Office of the Whistleblower Bill: A Call for Action
During the discussion, the #OfficeOfTheWhistleblowerBill was promoted, scheduled for its 6th reading in the Commons on 25th April. This bill, designed by whistleblowers, for whistleblowers, has been developed by WhistleblowersUK and championed by cross-party Parliamentarians since 2018. It encapsulates the recommendations of thousands of whistleblowers, regulators, academics, policymakers, and legal professionals.
The Government has an opportunity to champion whistleblowing and prevent catastrophic scandals such as Horizon, Grenfell, grooming gangs, maternity and NHS failures, fraud, trafficking, cybercrime, and even Partygate. Despite the undeniable financial benefits whistleblowing brings to the Treasury, the government continues to relegate this bill to the backbenches, seemingly oblivious to the need for urgent reform.
What the Office of the Whistleblower Bill Proposes
The Office of the Whistleblower Bill (OWB) aims to:
Remove whistleblowing from the Employment Tribunal, ensuring fairer and more effective legal recourse. Define ‘whistleblower’ in law, closing loopholes that leave many unprotected. Provide stronger protections against retaliation for those who speak up. Introduce deterrents, including meaningful fines and penalties for those who retaliate against whistleblowers. Ensure restitution for whistleblowers who suffer financial or personal loss. Prevent fraud and incentivize ethical behavior across industries. Normalize speaking out, fostering a culture where whistleblowing is not just protected but encouraged.
A Missed Opportunity for Parliamentarians
As the discussion came to a close, attention was drawn to the absence of MPs in the room. This was a missed opportunity for Parliamentarians to demonstrate their support for change and express gratitude for the whistleblowers who risk everything to protect the public interest. Their courage should not be met with silence.
Join the Movement: March of the Whistleblowers
WhistleblowersUK will be launching the “March of the Whistleblowers” campaign to continue the fight for justice and reform. Everyone who believes in accountability and transparency is invited to get involved.
For participation, email: secretary@wbuk.org
No whistleblower is alone. Together, whistleblowing can be made to work.
