Law change call to shield secret leaks
CRUISE missile whistleblower Sarah Tisdall could be pardoned if changes to the Official Secrets Act are backed by ministers.
Ex-Attorney General Dominic Grieve is among campaigners calling for the option of a public interest defence under legal reforms, as recommended by the Law Commission.
Ms Tisdall, 60, was given six months’ jail for leaking details of US missile plans in Britain in 1983.
A public interest defence could have also been used by Katharine Gun, accused of leaking plans to bug UN diplomats ahead of the 2003 Iraq War.
QC Alex Bailin who defended Ms Gun, 47, said: “It would act as a safety valve, ensuring misconduct cannot be hidden.”