Attorney General Richard Hermer delivers powerful warning speech on global instability and defends international law at Harry Street Lecture in Manchester

Attorney General Richard Hermer KC took the stage at the annual Harry Street Lecture with a clear mission: to remind his audience why the international rules-based order still matters in a world that often feels like it’s drifting away from it.

Speaking in Manchester, a city rich with history tied to civil rights struggles, he blended personal memories, global realities, and legal principles into a powerful message about law, justice, and humanity.

From Student Days to Global Turning Points

Reflecting on his early days as a student in Manchester in the late 1980s, Hermer recalled a time of cultural vibrancy and youthful freedom.

Yet, while students were immersed in everyday life, the world was on the brink of dramatic change.

The fall of communist regimes across Eastern Europe reshaped history almost overnight.

What began as academic study quickly became lived reality.

The collapse of the Berlin Wall and the wider revolutions of 1989 symbolized a collective demand for freedom, democracy, and human rights.

For Hermer, that period remains a reminder of what people can achieve when they push back against oppression.

A World That Feels Less Certain Today

Fast forward nearly four decades, and the tone has shifted.

Hermer acknowledged that optimism has given way to anxiety.

Conflicts across the globe—from Ukraine to Sudan, Gaza, Iran, and the Gulf—have highlighted the devastating consequences of violence and instability.

Alongside these crises, a troubling narrative has emerged: the idea that international law is no longer relevant, and that power alone determines outcomes.

Hermer challenged this view directly, warning that abandoning shared rules would only deepen global instability.

Challenging the “Might Makes Right” Argument

Drawing on philosophical ideas from thinkers like Hobbes and Plato, Hermer addressed the long-standing argument that strength defines justice.

He firmly rejected this notion, insisting that a rules-based system is not just morally right but practically necessary.

He outlined four key reasons why international law remains vital:

• It protects national interests by fostering stability and cooperation
• It prevents chaos by holding nations accountable
• It guides better decision-making in complex global situations
• It reflects a deeper moral commitment to human dignity

According to Hermer, abandoning these principles would not strengthen nations—it would weaken them.

Why Manchester’s History Matters

Choosing Manchester as the setting for this lecture was no coincidence.

Hermer highlighted the city’s deep connection to the fight for rights, from the Peterloo Massacre to the rise of the suffragette movement.

These historical moments serve as reminders that rights are not freely given—they are fought for and defended over time.

Just as domestic freedoms were earned through struggle, so too was the international legal system built through sacrifice, particularly after the devastation of World War II.

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The Legacy of Harry Street and Post-War Law

Hermer paid tribute to Harry Street, whose life embodied the values of justice and service.

Like many of his generation, Street witnessed the horrors of war firsthand and dedicated his life to strengthening legal systems.

That generation laid the foundation for modern international law, creating institutions and agreements designed to prevent future atrocities.

From the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to the Geneva Conventions, these frameworks were built precisely for moments of crisis like today.

The Case for Strong Alliances and Defence

While defending international law, Hermer also emphasized the importance of military strength.

He dismissed the idea that supporting human rights is incompatible with maintaining a strong defence.

In his view, history proves the opposite.

Military power has been essential in confronting threats and protecting freedoms.

He argued that weakening alliances or defence capabilities would be a dangerous misstep in an increasingly uncertain world.

The European Convention on Human Rights in Action

A significant portion of the speech focused on the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and its real-world impact.

Hermer stressed that these rights are not abstract legal concepts—they directly affect people’s lives.

He shared the story of Jeanette Smith, a Royal Air Force nurse who was dismissed because of her sexuality in the 1990s.

After facing invasive questioning and losing her career, she took her case to the European Court of Human Rights.

Her victory not only restored justice in her case but also helped overturn discriminatory policies, allowing LGBTQ individuals to serve openly in the military.

How Human Rights Laws Protect Everyday People

Hermer expanded on other examples where human rights laws have made a difference:

• Victims of serious crimes have secured justice through stronger investigative obligations
• Families affected by tragedies have gained access to truth and accountability
• Vulnerable individuals, including children and people with disabilities, have challenged unfair treatment

These cases, he argued, demonstrate that human rights laws act as a shield—protecting ordinary citizens from abuse of power.

A System That Continues to Evolve

Despite criticisms, Hermer pointed out that the ECHR is not static.

It has adapted over decades to address new challenges, proving its relevance in a changing world.

Efforts are ongoing to modernize the system further, ensuring it remains effective for future generations.

For Hermer, this adaptability is one of its greatest strengths.

Impact and Consequences

Hermer’s speech carries significant implications.

At a time when some voices call for stepping away from international agreements, his message reinforces the risks of doing so.

Abandoning the rules-based order could lead to:

• Increased global instability and conflict
• Weakened protections for citizens
• Reduced trust between nations
• Greater vulnerability for smaller or less powerful countries

On the other hand, maintaining these frameworks supports economic growth, security, and justice.

What’s Next?

Looking ahead, the debate over international law and human rights is far from settled.

Governments will continue to face pressure to either uphold or retreat from these commitments.

Hermer made it clear that the path forward should involve strengthening—not weakening—these systems.

This includes modernizing legal frameworks, reinforcing alliances, and ensuring that rights remain protected at both national and international levels.

Summary

Richard Hermer KC used the Harry Street Lecture to deliver a strong defence of international law and human rights.

By blending historical reflection with present-day challenges, he argued that the rules-based order remains essential for stability, justice, and progress.

Rather than being outdated, these frameworks are more relevant than ever in navigating today’s complex global landscape.

Bulleted Takeaways

• Richard Hermer KC emphasized the ongoing importance of the international rules-based order
• He challenged the idea that power alone should dictate global outcomes
• Historical events like the 1989 revolutions were highlighted as victories for human rights
• Manchester’s legacy of civil rights struggles was used to reinforce his message
• The European Convention on Human Rights was presented as a vital protection for individuals
• Real-life cases showed how human rights laws have delivered justice
• He argued that strong defence and international law can coexist
• The speech warned of the dangers of abandoning global legal frameworks
• Hermer called for continued commitment to human rights and legal cooperation
• The overall message stressed that these rights are worth defending—now more than ever