If we observe the Kelly case, we can extrapolate on what state machinery can actually do to you as a whistleblower. Basically, someone somewhere will have a gripe against you. This means you may be subjected to all kinds of problems like complaints, loss of your job etc, by proxy reprisals using various state instruments like the police. This doctor got fired by the MOD by text. He should ask himself whether he was lucky they didn't make life even more miserable for him http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/jan/30/whistleblower-doctor-sacked-text-mod-tribunal-stephen-frost-david-kelly?CMP=share_btn_link When anyone whistleblows, they should think about Dr David Kelly. Even after his death, no one knows the truth.