TV personality and former UK Special Forces operative Ant Middleton has been slapped with a High Court injunction preventing him from talking about his military service.
The ban comes after the Ministry of Defence (MOD) accused him of disclosing sensitive information during an American podcast, claims Middleton strongly denies.
The Podcast That Sparked the Legal Action
The controversy stems from Middleton’s appearance on the US podcast Mike Drop, hosted by former Navy SEAL Mike Ritland, on July 2.
MOD lawyers told the court that Middleton revealed “highly sensitive” details regarding weapons systems, intelligence operations, unit sizes, and international partnerships.
Middleton, 45, represented himself in court and insisted he had not revealed any “military secrets.”
He also suggested the MOD’s action might have a political dimension, pointing to his recent announcement that he intends to run for London mayor in 2028.
High Court Steps In
At the end of a brief hearing in London, Mr Justice Garnham granted an injunction preventing Middleton from repeating any sensitive material without prior written approval from the MOD.
The judge warned that revealing military secrets could cause “very significant harm” to the UK Special Forces.
The injunction is temporary, pending a full breach of contract trial scheduled for March.
Middleton’s Military Background
Middleton joined the military at 17, serving tours in Northern Ireland and North Macedonia, before moving on to the Royal Marines and ultimately the Special Boat Service (SBS).
After leaving active service, he became a household name on Channel 4’s SAS: Who Dares Wins from 2015 to 2021, scaled Mount Everest for TV in Extreme Everest with Ant Middleton, and authored multiple books.
MOD Claims Middleton Breached His Contract
MOD barrister Oliver Sanders KC told the court that Middleton’s podcast appearance violated the confidentiality contract he signed on joining the Special Forces.
Introduced in 1996 following the surge of SAS publications, the contract prevents members from revealing operational experiences or making statements that could be construed as sensitive military information.
Sanders stressed that the contract is lifelong and central to the operational effectiveness and trust of the UK Special Forces.
“Secrecy is essential for national security,” he said, noting that Middleton had previously threatened to breach similar obligations when publishing a book.
Middleton Pushes Back
Speaking in court, Middleton claimed he had not been informed exactly which comments were considered breaches.
He argued that the legal action could have been avoided outside of court and expressed suspicion about the MOD’s timing.
“I have recently announced my intention to run for mayor of London, and I fear this may be influencing the intensity of the MOD’s approach,” he told the judge.
“I have never placed my country or my comrades at risk.
The suggestion that I revealed secrets is shocking and unfounded. The true motive may be political.”
Judge Warns of Potential Harm
Justice Garnham agreed that Middleton’s claims raise serious questions, but emphasized that any future disclosure could inflict “very significant harm” on UK Special Forces operations.
The judge concluded that the MOD’s case for a breach of contract is strong enough to justify the temporary injunction until the full trial in March.
What Happens Next
Middleton must now refrain from discussing his Special Forces experience publicly without MOD approval.
The case will return to court in March, where a full hearing will determine whether Middleton indeed breached his confidentiality obligations and the potential consequences of any such breach.
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