Starmer's foreign policy prioritizes international law, Hermer emphasizes in statement.
Attorney General Lord Richard Hermer has declared that a strong commitment to international law lies at the core of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s foreign policy, underscoring the UK’s renewed efforts to present itself as a reliable global partner. Speaking in his first public broadcast interview since assuming the role, Lord Hermer positioned legal integrity as a defining feature of the new government’s international strategy.
Hermer, who serves as the government’s chief legal adviser, highlighted that strict adherence to both domestic and international law is not only a matter of principle but a strategic necessity. “We are back on the global stage as a country that can be trusted,” he said. “You don’t make deals with those you can’t rely on.” His remarks come as the UK navigates complex geopolitical tensions, including the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran and questions surrounding US military actions in the region.
While refraining from commenting on the legality of recent US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, Hermer acknowledged the importance of maintaining strong ties with Washington. He said the UK government was focused on long-term diplomacy and practical cooperation with allies, regardless of the administration in power. Hermer also defended Prime Minister Starmer’s reserved diplomatic style, contrasting it with political “grandstanding” and noting that the prime minister prioritises substance over theatrics.
Starmer’s diplomatic approach, Hermer said, is driven by a desire to restore the UK’s credibility after years of uncertainty. He credited the country’s renewed emphasis on international legal compliance with enabling recent economic agreements with global partners, including the United States, India, and the European Union. The UK has also made progress on migration talks with France, Germany, and Iraq, which Hermer attributed to a legal-first approach in foreign negotiations.
However, Lord Hermer’s outspoken views on international law have drawn criticism, particularly from opposition parties. Earlier this year, he was embroiled in controversy after referencing 1930s Germany while criticising politicians who suggested withdrawing from key legal frameworks such as the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). His comments, which likened such proposals to ideologies seen before the Nazi era, were condemned by Conservatives and members of Reform UK as inflammatory and inappropriate.
Although Hermer’s spokesperson later clarified that he regretted making the historical comparison, the fallout led to calls for his resignation. Critics accused him of overstepping the boundaries of his role, especially when discussing broader foreign policy matters.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch responded sharply to Hermer’s latest interview, accusing him of “waxing lyrical well beyond his brief.” She said his commentary on international diplomacy and foreign affairs was “outside the scope of his role” as attorney general, calling his Cabinet position “untenable.”
Despite the political backlash, Hermer stood by his message. He argued that upholding international law was not only a moral imperative but also a practical instrument for advancing national interests. “Respect for legal norms builds trust, and trust opens doors to agreements that directly benefit British citizens,” he said.
As the Starmer administration navigates a challenging diplomatic landscape, Lord Hermer’s role appears increasingly influential in shaping the legal framework underpinning UK foreign policy. His emphasis on law and order as tools for diplomacy marks a notable shift from previous administrations, reflecting the government’s ambition to re-establish Britain’s global standing through legal consistency and principled engagement.