Attorney General likens UK disregard for international law to Nazi Germany

In a controversial speech delivered weeks ago at the Royal United Services Institute in London, Attorney General Lord Richard Hermer KC emphasized the importance of adhering to international law. He criticized the developing sentiment within the UK, especially in political circles, that suggests international law can be ignored in favor of national interests, drawing parallels to arguments made by German jurist Carl Schmitt in the early 1930s. Hermer underscored that the idea of sidelining international obligations poses a significant threat to the UK's constitutional traditions and could lead to an exercise of unchecked state power. His remarks were perceived as a response to some members of the Conservative Party advocating for a reassessment of the UK's relationship with the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). Hermer's comments triggered a backlash from various political figures including Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, who has been cautious about fully endorsing a similar approach. While other Conservative members, like Robert Jenrick, have shown a more aggressive stance against the ECHR, Hermer aimed to advocate for reform rather than outright withdrawal. The disagreements surrounding Hermer's speech reveal a deeper struggle within British politics regarding sovereignty, legal accountability, and international obligations. Following widespread criticism of his remarks, including accusations of politicizing historical comparisons, Lord Hermer issued an apology for the language used in his assertions, claiming they had been mischaracterized despite maintaining the core of his argument regarding the importance of international law to national security. This incident underscores ongoing tensions between different factions within UK politics regarding the balance between national sovereignty and international legal commitments, emphasizing the need to navigate these complex modern political landscape issues carefully.