The UK government places international law at the core of its foreign policy, Attorney General Lord Richard Hermer has declared. Hermer emphasized that Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s administration prioritizes legal compliance globally.
Moreover, Hermer, the Cabinet’s chief legal adviser, stated that upholding international law strengthens Britain’s global standing. He highlighted recent trade deals with the US, India, and the EU as proof. These agreements, he argued, rely on trust built through legal integrity.
Therefore, international law central to UK foreign policy ensures stability and economic growth, Hermer explained. He dismissed short-term political tactics, stressing long-term diplomatic relationships instead. Starmer’s approach avoids confrontation, even with controversial allies like US President Donald Trump.
Furthermore, the Attorney General’s remarks come amid scrutiny over UK legal advice on Israel-Iran tensions. Ministers recently avoided commenting on the legality of US strikes in Iran. Hermer’s role has sparked debate, given his close ties to Starmer and lack of prior political experience.
When asked if international law was a “red line” for Starmer, Hermer affirmed its importance. He linked legal adherence to national prosperity, citing migration pacts with France and Iraq. Trust in UK commitments, he said, secures vital international cooperation.
Hermer also addressed criticism of his past comments comparing anti-international law rhetoric to 1930s Germany. He called those remarks “clumsy” but stood by his broader argument. Some Conservative and Reform UK figures have urged leaving the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).
The UK’s stance contrasts with political pressures to prioritize sovereignty over multilateralism. Hermer insisted compliance fosters trade and security partnerships. International law central to UK foreign policy reinforces Britain’s role as a reliable global actor.
Starmer’s strategy focuses on steady diplomacy over dramatic gestures. Hermer cited the film Love Actually, where a UK leader publicly defies a US president, as the wrong model. Open communication, he argued, better serves national interests.
Critics question whether legal idealism can address urgent crises. Yet Hermer remains confident. By championing international law, the UK gains influence and economic opportunities. International law central to UK foreign policy aims to balance moral principles with practical benefits.
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