The discussion around Britain’s membership in international legal bodies like the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) is getting more intense.
Recently, Keir Starmer’s top legal adviser, Lord Hermer, sparked controversy with strong remarks against those pushing for the UK to leave such international agreements.
Lord Hermer’s Strong Warning Against Dropping International Conventions
At a recent talk at the Royal United Services Institute—a well-known think tank focused on defense and security—Lord Hermer took aim at politicians and media voices advocating for Britain to walk away from international laws.
He described this push as a dangerous “siren song” tempting the country to ignore its global legal commitments.
According to Lord Hermer, the Labour government is committed to what he calls a “policy of progressive realism.”
That means they have no intention of leaving international conventions like the ECHR, despite pressure from some quarters to do so.
Echoes of History in Today’s Debate
What really caught attention was Hermer’s historical comparison.
He reminded listeners that similar calls to reject international law once came from figures like Carl Schmitt, a legal theorist who supported Nazi policies in the 1930s.
Schmitt believed that state power should trump law—an idea that led to dangerous consequences.
Lord Hermer said, “The claim that international law is fine as far as it goes, but can be put aside when conditions change, is a claim that was made in the early 1930s…
The experience of what followed in 1933 led far-sighted people to rebuild and strengthen international legal institutions.”
Acknowledging the Need for Reform, But Standing Firm
While Lord Hermer firmly rejected the idea of abandoning international law, he did acknowledge that no legal system is perfect.
He said that international law needs to be open to critique and reform to stay relevant and effective.
Still, he insists that throwing out these agreements altogether is not the answer.
Pushback from Tory Politicians
Unsurprisingly, the response from Tory politicians was sharp.
Robert Jenrick, the Conservative justice spokesman and a supporter of leaving the ECHR, called Hermer’s comments “appalling.”
Jenrick argued that trying to reform the ECHR is “fanciful” because it requires unanimous agreement from all 46 member countries.
Jenrick also criticized Hermer for comparing ECHR critics to Nazis, saying, “It seems Labour haven’t learned a thing.”
This was a reference to similar accusations made by Labour’s David Lammy during Brexit debates, which didn’t go down well with the public or politicians.
Questions Raised About Lord Hermer’s Past Work
Adding to the controversy, some critics have questioned Lord Hermer’s background.
Before becoming Attorney General, he was a human rights lawyer who took on cases defending individuals accused of terrorism, such as 9/11 plotter Mustafa al-Hawsawi and jihadi bride Shamima Begum.
He also represented former Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams, who denies IRA membership.
This history has led some to question whether Hermer’s previous legal work conflicts with his current role advising the government.
What’s Next in This Political Battle?
As the debate over Britain’s relationship with international law bodies continues, the controversy surrounding Lord Hermer’s comments shows how deeply divided opinions remain.
With calls to leave the ECHR growing louder among some Conservative figures, and Labour holding firm, this is a political battle that’s likely far from over.
The Attorney General’s office has been approached for comment but has not issued a statement yet.