MoD not a ‘professional working environment’, says former veterans minister

Johnny Mercer criticised ministry's operations as he tried to prevent prosecutions for alleged offences in conflict

The former veterans minister Johnny Mercer has lifted the lid on the toxic atmosphere in Boris Johnson's government, saying ministers' behaviour would have got [you] punched in the mouth" if displayed in the army.

Mercer, who resigned from the role last year in a row over the treatment of soldiers who served in Northern Ireland, said the Ministry of Defence was not a professional working environment" and his fellow ministers had treated him as a dope on a rope".