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Keir Starmer needs to show that he’s not weak or indecisive, especially when it comes to the people he appoints to important positions in the government. One of his most controversial appointments is Richard Hermer, the Attorney General, who has a history of representing individuals and groups that are often seen as opposed to British values and interests.
Hermer’s career has been marked by defending those who criticize the UK, challenge its sovereignty, and even accuse British forces of wrongdoing. Many people are questioning how someone with such a background ended up in such a high-ranking position.
The answer seems to be simple: Hermer is a close friend of Keir Starmer. Starmer quickly appointed him to the role shortly after being elected, even though Hermer had no prior experience in politics. This decision was kept secret from others in Starmer’s circle, including Emily Thornberry, who many thought would get the job.
It’s likely that Starmer kept it quiet because anyone with common sense would have warned him that appointing Hermer could lead to serious problems for the country. And now, those concerns are proving to be true.
To understand Hermer’s mindset, it’s important to look at his past work as a lawyer. He represented Gerry Adams, the former leader of Sinn Féin, in a case where Adams sought compensation from British taxpayers for being “unlawfully detained” during the Troubles in Northern Ireland.
More recently, before becoming Attorney General, Hermer was representing Afghan families who accused British special forces of war crimes. He also fought for compensation for Rangzieb Ahmed, an Al-Qaeda leader linked to the 7/7 terror attacks in London, who tried to sue the British government over alleged torture by Pakistan.
Additionally, Hermer has supported Shamima Begum, the so-called “ISIS bride,” in her efforts to return to the UK, despite warnings from security services about the risks.
Hermer has also been vocal about Britain’s so-called “moral obligation” to pay trillions in reparations to Caribbean communities for historical injustices.
He has worked with international groups to push for this agenda. Even more troubling, he publicly supported Phil Shiner, a disgraced lawyer who was exposed for making false claims against British soldiers.
Hermer praised Shiner for causing “a great deal of aggravation” to the government, showing little concern for the harm Shiner’s lies caused to innocent soldiers and their families. It seems Hermer’s main goal was to challenge the establishment, regardless of the consequences.
Hermer was also involved in negotiating the £18 billion Chagos Islands deal, which has been widely criticized. Most Chagossians, the people directly affected, don’t support the deal, but it has been pushed forward by a small group of North London Labour supporters in the government.
Many see Hermer as a dangerous figure, with one politician describing him as “Jeremy Corbyn in a barrister’s wig.” However, some believe Hermer is even more extreme and harmful than Corbyn ever was.
Recently, there have been calls for Starmer to remove Hermer from his position. Lord Glassman, a prominent figure, has urged Starmer to sack him, calling Hermer an “arrogant progressive fool” who believes the law can replace politics.
Many hope this is just the beginning of efforts to remove Hermer, as he is seen as a liability who doesn’t prioritize Britain’s best interests. His actions and statements suggest he holds a deep disdain for the country and its values, making him unfit for such a critical role.
Hermer’s views on Britain’s colonial history are particularly controversial. He has claimed that racism was central to the British colonial project, dismissing the positive contributions Britain made in its colonies, such as establishing the rule of law, abolishing slavery, building infrastructure, and promoting modern medicine. While it’s true that Britain’s history includes mistakes and injustices, Hermer’s one-sided criticism ignores the broader impact of British influence around the world.
Another concerning aspect of Hermer’s approach is his unwavering support for the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). He has stated that he will never challenge any ruling from the ECHR, even when those rulings seem absurd or harmful to the UK.
Recent examples include allowing criminals to stay in the UK because they can’t get certain foods in their home countries, or permitting a convicted paedophile to remain because his children would miss him. Hermer’s stance could also lead to the UK accepting millions of potentially radicalized Palestinians, further straining the country’s resources and security.
The sooner Keir Starmer removes Hermer from his position, the better. If Starmer doesn’t act, it could harm not only the country but also his own political career. Hermer and his allies are gaining influence within the government, using the law to push their own agendas. This is making Starmer’s government appear weak and ineffective, further damaging his reputation. For the sake of the British people and his own political survival, Starmer needs to take action before it’s too late.