Military Conflicts: International Law

Debate between Lord Hermer and Lord Redwood

Tuesday 7th July 2026 Lords Chamber

[Lord Hermer (Lab)]

I first pay tribute to the noble Lord and his unflagging commitment to the protection of human rights across the globe. As I anticipate it is for all of us in this House, Sudan is an issue of grave concern. The thousands upon thousands of lives that have already been lost in the most horrific circumstances cast a stain upon us all as an international community, and the fear of what might happen in the coming weeks and months is a very real one. It underlines the importance of international law frameworks, not least the notion of accountability, because unless there is accountability, the real risk is that there is impunity, and we cannot allow that to happen.

[Lord Redwood (Con)]

My Lords, why does the Attorney-General wish to break the US-UK treaty on Diego Garcia, when the ICJ has no ability to order us around on Commonwealth and defence matters, and we need to keep that base?

[Lord Hermer (Lab)]

I entirely agree with the noble Lord that we need to keep that base. That is why, coming into government, we built upon the 11 rounds of negotiations the previous Conservative Government had commenced, because we take the view that what is of most importance is securing that vital base for the defence and national security interests of this country. Like the last Government, we took the view that this was best secured through agreement. It is not simply out of adherence to what is an advisory, non-binding opinion of the International Court of Justice. That is simply one piece in a jigsaw, the larger picture of which is all about the national security interests of this country.