Military Conflicts: International Law

Debate between Lord Bellingham and Lord Hermer

Tuesday 7th July 2026 Lords Chamber

[Lord Bellingham (Con)]

I beg leave to ask the Question standing in my name on the Order Paper and thank the Lord Speaker for pronouncing my name in the Northumberland way.

[The Attorney-General (Lord Hermer) (Lab)]

My Lords, I start by reflecting upon the sad news that the Lord Speaker has just imparted to the House. Lord Mackay was a hugely respected figure across all parties. He was a giant in the law. I am sure we all join in sending our condolences to his family.

National security is the first duty of government, and we are committed to protecting Britain alongside upholding the international rule of law as part of a strong NATO alliance. I have met many NATO ministerial colleagues as part of my role, including the former US Attorney-General Pam Bondi, the acting US Attorney-General Todd Blanche, the Attorney-General of Canada Sean Fraser, the Minister of Justice in Spain Felix Bolaños and the Norwegian Deputy Foreign Minister Kravik. I will continue to meet NATO counterparts, if requested, to strengthen our alliances and build on our shared values that have kept this country safe for more than 70 years.

[Lord Bellingham (Con)]

I am grateful to the Attorney-General for that reply. I have the greatest respect for his legal prowess. He has reached the pinnacle of his profession, and I admire him enormously. Incidentally, I do not have a problem with his past involvement in cases against the Government and veterans, because barristers have to adhere to the cab-rank rule. He did exactly that, and I respect him for it. However—this is relevant to my substantive question—I do have a problem with some emails he sent to instructing solicitors, including one in which he said that human rights lawyers deserve more respect in society than serving soldiers. Does he understand why our veterans, who deserve our support and gratitude, were so insulted? I hope he keeps his job in government. If he does, will he make every effort to support our veterans, whether they be from Iraq, Afghanistan or Northern Ireland? What will he be doing to support them?

[Lord Hermer (Lab)]

I thank the noble Lord for his question. I am not going to take up the time of your Lordships’ House trying to put in the correct context that which some newspapers put in the wrong context. There is a broader point that the noble Lord touched upon, which is the principle that underpins the independent Bar—of acting without fear or favour for your clients. The noble Lord is absolutely right. I did some cases against the British Armed Forces, but at the same time I did many for members of the British Armed Forces, including acting pro bono for members of the Armed Forces. What I can truly say in answer to the noble Lord’s question, and reflecting on two years as Attorney-General, is that one of the greatest privileges has been working day in, day out with our Armed Forces. The opportunity to see first-hand their extraordinary professionalism and immense bravery has been a true privilege.