I will not betray those who confided in me whatever the cost, says Mercer

Former veterans minister Johnny Mercer has said he will not betray those who told him about special forces murder allegations in Afghanistan, "whatever the cost".

The former Conservative MP, who served in the British Army, was told he faced the possibility of jail if he didn't hand over the names of those who told him about the allegations to the Afghanistan Inquiry. 

But despite refusing to hand over the names, a spokeswoman for the inquiry investigating the allegations said Mr Mercer had "provided further information" and, as a result, would face no further action "for the time being".

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The spokeswoman said the former minister had agreed to assist the inquiry further and the "inquiry team will be taking this forward".

Writing on social media, Mr Mercer said his position had not changed.

He said: "I note the judge's comments. My position remains unchanged from the beginning of the year.

"I will always do all I can to assist this important inquiry.

"I will not betray those I served with who have confided in me, whatever the cost.

"As I have repeatedly stated, it remains entirely inappropriate to name those who confided in me without their consent, and I will not.

"This process has placed an unacceptable strain on me and my family; I am no longer a public figure and will not be commenting any further."

The inquiry's chairman, Sir Charles Haddon-Cave, previously told Mr Mercer he potentially faced jail if he did not comply with an order compelling him to hand over the names.

The order was implemented after 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 probe in February.

Giving his reason for not disclosing the names during his evidence at the time, he told the inquiry: "The one thing you can hold on to is your integrity and I will be doing that with these individuals."

Mr Mercer had been given until 16:00 on Thursday to provide the names to the inquiry.

It is unclear what further information was provided by Mr Mercer which led to no further action being taken.