Whistleblower Wins Landmark Case Over Afghanistan Evacuation Disclosures

Josie Stewart's tribunal victory establishes protections for civil servants who expose systemic failures in the public interest.

Josie Stewart, a former Foreign Office civil servant, was unfairly dismissed after leaking information about the UK's chaotic Afghanistan evacuation in 2021.
The tribunal ruled that Stewart's disclosures to the BBC were reasonable and in the public interest, marking a legal first for civil servant whistleblower protections.
Stewart's case highlighted serious governmental failings during the Kabul evacuation, including Boris Johnson's alleged prioritization of evacuating a pet charity over more urgent cases.
The tribunal found the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) acted unlawfully by revoking Stewart's security clearance without properly evaluating her claims.
Stewart hopes her victory will lead to stronger whistleblower protections, including the establishment of an independent commissioner to handle public interest disclosures.