Behind the Money Whistleblowing in the UK, Ep. 2: Is it ‘British’ to pay whistleblowers?
Dec 15, 2025
Nick Ephgrave, a former senior Metropolitan Police officer and current director of the UK Serious Fraud Office, advocates for a national whistleblowing reward system to enhance fraud enforcement. He emphasizes learning from the U.S. model, warning that the UK is losing valuable tips. Suzi Ring, a Financial Times legal correspondent, discusses cultural resistance to paying whistleblowers but notes a shift in attitudes, especially following high-profile cases like Post Office and Grenfell. Both guests highlight the need for clarity in reward structures and a unified approach to whistleblowing.
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Why Britain Resisted Whistleblower Rewards
- The UK historically resisted paying whistleblowers due to fears of fraudulent claims, rewarding culpable insiders, and juror mistrust.
- Those objections are being reconsidered as high-profile scandals exposed failures to listen to whistleblowers.
Scandals Exposed Ignored Warnings
- The Post Office Horizon scandal shows whistleblowers were ignored until a TV drama galvanized attention and reform.
- Grenfell similarly revealed long-ignored warnings about dangerous cladding that preceded disaster.
US Rewards Cause UK Intelligence Drain
- Many UK insiders go to the US to blow the whistle because American programs pay significant rewards and protect tips.
- That creates an intelligence and revenue drain for UK authorities and the public purse.
