British war veterans are expressing strong condemnation following the disclosure that Attorney General Lord Richard Hermer, a key advisor to Keir Starmer, pursued legal claims against British troops in Iraq even after being informed the allegations were unsubstantiated.

False Claims Following Battle of Danny Boy

Lord Hermer, while a senior lawyer in 2008, initiated legal action against British soldiers related to the 2004 Battle of Danny Boy in Iraq. These claims centered around allegations of torture and murder of Iraqi civilians. Newly uncovered emails reveal Hermer was warned the allegations lacked merit, yet he continued to advocate for the lawsuits.

Veterans Describe 'Witch Hunt'

Veterans falsely accused of war crimes are demanding Hermer’s resignation, characterizing his actions as a “witch hunt” and a betrayal of service. Brian Wood, a Military Cross recipient, described years of hardship caused by the false accusations, stating Hermer “pursued us in a witch hunt” and is unfit for his current role.

Accusations of Prioritizing Personal Gain

Philip Ingram, an Iraq veteran, compared the situation to a scandal surpassing that of Peter Mandelson, accusing Hermer of prioritizing personal gain and ego over the welfare of the soldiers. Ingram also criticized Hermer’s representation of individuals like Shamima Begum, labeling him “anti-British” and a “danger to this country.”

Widespread Political Condemnation

The controversy has drawn widespread criticism across the political spectrum. Kemi Badenoch, the Tory leader, accused Hermer of “dragging British troops through the courts.” Nick Timothy, Shadow Justice Secretary, called him a “disgrace” and criticized Keir Starmer’s decision to appoint him. Zia Yusuf of Reform described Hermer’s actions as a “blood sport” and accused him of being a “traitor.”

Concerns Over 'Lawfare' and Soldier Support

SAS hero Robin Horsfall highlighted the ongoing issue of “lawfare” against British troops, attributing it to government funding of investigations focused on punishment rather than support. Veterans argue this practice harms recruitment and undermines confidence in the armed forces. The core of the issue is the pursuit of knowingly false claims, potentially motivated by financial gain and a disregard for the impact on the soldiers involved.