Johnny Mercer, former veterans minister and British Army captain, is currently in a dispute with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) over the impending publication of his memoir, *No Way to Run a Country*, which criticises senior military and government officials. The MoD has demanded last-minute access to the completed manuscript, citing national security concerns and Mercer’s contractual obligations with UK special forces.
Mercer, who submitted his manuscript for review more than a month ago under the Radcliffe rules—government guidelines requiring former ministers to allow officials to review memoirs for national security, international relations, and government confidentiality—says his book had already been approved following substantial redactions. He was required to make over 30 edits, including removing the names of certain individuals connected to an ongoing Afghanistan inquiry. Mercer contends that these changes have reduced accountability by anonymising officials he believes should be publicly identified. He has complied with the redactions despite disagreeing with some of them.
The dispute escalated when Mercer received a legal letter from the government warning him that he must submit the final manuscript by a specified deadline or face unspecified consequences. Mercer maintains the MoD was reassured it did not need to see the manuscript and criticises the department for what he describes as attempts to intimidate him beyond the scope of official rules.
An MoD spokesperson reiterated that former personnel are bound by contractual obligations and that the department routinely reviews publications on a case-by-case basis to safeguard national security. The department also reserves the right to take legal action if necessary.
Mercer, who served three tours in Afghanistan and was attached to a Special Boat Service task force, said in interviews that his memoir is an unvarnished account intended to highlight what he sees as systemic failings within the government and armed forces. He described the memoir as “brutally honest,” aiming to improve politics and public life. Mercer’s political career included efforts to protect veterans from investigations into alleged historic misconduct and advocating for Afghan special forces personnel seeking resettlement in the UK.
His confrontational approach in politics, including refusing to disclose names of military sources during a public inquiry into unlawful killings, has garnered both support and controversy. Mercer lost his parliamentary seat in the most recent election but hopes his memoir will serve as a call to action for people committed to reforming politics and public service.
The current impasse highlights ongoing tensions between former officials seeking to publish critical reflections and government departments tasked with protecting sensitive information. The release of Mercer’s book, scheduled for September 24, remains uncertain amid the unresolved dispute.