A London-based Foreign Office whistleblower who leaked secret documents about the fight against terrorism has withdrawn his case against his former bosses at an employment tribunal.
Derek Pasquill, 51, declined to comment after the brief hearing in central London. His lawyer, Jude Bunting, said: “Following discussions with the other side, we have withdrawn the case. The other side are not seeking costs.”
Mr Pasquill passed confidential papers to the Observer newspaper and New Statesman magazine to raise concerns over what he saw as dangerous Government policy.An Old Bailey judge dropped six charges against him that he breached the Official Secrets Act by making disclosures which were damaging to international relations. He was acquitted on January 9, 2008 after the court heard minutes of a Foreign Office discussion undermined the allegation that the leaks were damaging.
But the FCO continued disciplinary proceedings against him and he was eventually sacked on August 21, 2008 after a suspension from work totalling 31 months.Mr Pasquill lodged a claim against the FCO, which was due to be heard on Monday until he withdrew it at the last minute, alleging he believed he was made a scapegoat, that he was dismissed for making leaks that were in the public interest, and that he was punished unlawfully by his employees. He was seeking compensation for loss of earnings and injury to feelings at the tribunal, which was scheduled to last five days. No details were released about the reasons for Mr Pasquill deciding not to go ahead with the case.
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