Former SBS operative turned TV personality Ant Middleton sued by the MOD
The Ministry of Defence has filed legal proceedings against SAS: Who Dares Wins star Ant Middleton over an alleged breach of contract.
An MOD spokesperson told BFBS Forces News: "We can confirm ongoing proceedings around contractual procedures. We will not comment further while legal proceedings are ongoing."
According to earlier reporting by The Sun, the case, listed as Ministry of Defence vs Middleton, relates to a series of social media posts in which the former Special Forces operative shared details about his time in the military.
A source told The Sun: "Special Forces contracts were changed some years ago to include a non-disclosure clause.
"This is an extremely rare move for the MOD to take.
"The action doesn't relate to his TV appearances or books, or work as an honorary cadet captain. It is focused on a series of social media posts about the Special Forces."
Code of silence
In 1996, UK Special Forces (UKSF) introduced a mandatory confidentiality agreement requiring all personnel to sign a lifetime non-disclosure contract. The agreement prohibits any disclosure of operational details without prior written approval by the MOD.
The policy followed the success of best-selling memoirs such as Bravo Two Zero by Andy McNab and The One That Got Away by Chris Ryan, both former SAS operatives who wrote about their experiences during the First Gulf War in 1996.
Although some former operatives submitted manuscripts for MOD approval, concerns over inaccuracies and threats to national security led to a stricter stance and a binding vow of silence.
This code, often referred to as omertà, remains in place for life.
Disclosing sensitive details about Special Forces operations can pose a serious risk to future missions and the safety of personnel.
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