Attorney General Lord Hermer Under Scrutiny

Lord Hermer, the Prime Minister’s chief legal advisor, has been reported to the Bar Standards Board (BSB) accused of pursuing false claims against British soldiers following the Battle of Danny Boy in 2004. The complaint alleges a ‘witch-hunt’ and a disregard for evidence proving the accusations were untrue.

Complaint Details and Allegations

The formal complaint was brought forth by Conservative justice spokesman Nick Timothy, alleging serious professional misconduct. Timothy accuses Lord Hermer of ignoring evidence demonstrating the accusations of murder against the veterans were demonstrably false. This case echoes the Al-Sweady Inquiry of 2014, which definitively ruled the claims against the British Army to be untrue and discredited the claimants.

Emails and Lack of Evidence

At the heart of the accusation are emails from 2008, during the initial stages of the lawsuits. In these emails, Lord Hermer allegedly advised allowing for ‘wriggle room’ in public statements in case the alleged killings hadn’t actually occurred. This suggests a willingness to proceed with cases despite a lack of solid evidence.

Concerns Over Client Vetting

Further allegations state that Lord Hermer disregarded intelligence indicating his Iraqi clients were not innocent civilians, but members of the Madhi Army, an Iranian-backed militia. This raises questions about due diligence and the vetting of claims before representation. The complaint also alleges the claimants were motivated by financial gain and that Lord Hermer requested ‘excessive’ legal fees.

Hermer's Defense and Political Context

Lord Hermer vehemently denies all wrongdoing, asserting he consistently maintained the ‘highest professional standards’ and ‘categorically’ denies representing individuals he knew to be making false claims. The timing of the complaint, following his recent appointment and another scandal involving Peter Mandelson, adds political pressure.

Calls for Investigation

Gavin Williamson, a former Conservative defence secretary, has called for an immediate investigation by the BSB, arguing the evidence warrants a full inquiry. He stated Lord Hermer’s actions create a ‘stark and uncomfortable tension’ with his professional obligations to act with ‘honesty and integrity’.

BSB Response and Previous Clients

The BSB, as the regulatory body for barristers, will determine if Lord Hermer’s actions constituted a breach of professional conduct. Confidentiality surrounding BSB investigations means updates may be limited until a disciplinary tribunal, if necessary. Lord Hermer has previously represented controversial figures, including Shamima Begum, who was stripped of her British citizenship for joining Islamic State.