“There is an apparatus set up to protect politicians, but those within that apparatus will have their own political views. I've got mates who are police officers and mates who are in the military, and they often have a very different view to the policy they're asked to carry out.”

British television writer, producer, director and novelist

Jed Mercurio is a British television writer, producer, director and novelist. Before turning to television, he worked as a hospital doctor and served as a Royal Air Force officer. He was born Gerald Gary Mercurio and has been ranked among the leading writers in UK television. Mercurio is known for his work across drama, as well as for moving from medicine into writing and production. In 2017, he received a Fellowship of the Royal Television Society and the Baird Medal from RTS Midlands, recognition that reflects his standing in British television.