Attorney General Lord Richard Hermer has admitted he regrets making a “clumsy” comparison between current UK political rhetoric and legal arguments made in Nazi Germany. His statement, now often referred to as the Attorney General regrets Nazi Germany reference, came during a speech defending international law and drew swift criticism from political opponents. This incident highlights the sensitivity surrounding Nazi references.
Speaking at a security think tank, Lord Hermer warned against abandoning global legal frameworks in favour of unilateral power. Notably, his comparison to legal arguments in Nazi Germany caused increased scrutiny. He highlighted arguments from 1930s Germany, specifically from legal theorist Carl Schmitt, who justified state power over legal norms. This instance of the Attorney General regrets Nazi Germany reference aimed at illustrating dangerous precedents that paved the way for Adolf Hitler’s rise to power.
However, the remarks sparked political uproar. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch accused him of calling his opponents Nazis and demanded Prime Minister Keir Starmer dismiss him. Reform UK also joined in, with deputy leader Richard Tice insisting Hermer issue a formal apology due to the Attorney General’s regrettable Nazi Germany reference.
A spokesperson for Lord Hermer said he stood by the intent of the speech, which aimed to promote the rule of law and international cooperation. They clarified that while he rejected the opposition’s interpretation, he recognized the reference was poorly chosen and regretted the language used. This incident led to the widely noted Attorney General regrets Nazi Germany reference.
The Attorney General’s speech focused on reinforcing Britain’s commitment to a rules-based international order. This focus emerged despite regrets about referencing Nazi Germany. He remarked that abandoning legal conventions could have unforeseen consequences. He warned against what he described as a rising “siren song” within politics and media urging the UK to ignore international obligations in pursuit of national power.
His remarks referenced the European Convention on Human Rights, a frequent target for criticism from some Conservative and Reform UK figures. These critics argue the convention restricts the UK’s ability to control immigration and enforce deportations. Moreover, the controversial Attorney General regrets Nazi Germany reference underscored debates around these topics.
Badenoch, a vocal advocate for reassessing Britain’s membership in the convention, said Hermer’s speech showed “appalling judgement.” She accused him of not understanding the responsibilities of government and said his remarks were not just offensive but harmful to democratic debate, summarizing her opposition to what she considered an Attorney General regrettable Nazi Germany reference.
Despite the backlash, Lord Hermer’s allies defended his stance. In defense, they emphasize that, even though the Attorney General regrets referencing Nazi Germany, the speech underlined the importance of upholding the legal principles that protect global security and human rights.
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