Military Conflicts: International Law

Debate between Lord Robathan and Lord Hermer

Tuesday 7th July 2026 Lords Chamber

[Lord Hermer (Lab)]

I entirely agree with the noble Lord that international law has never stood still; it evolves to face the challenges of each era. We continue, both as lawyers and in government, working with our opposite numbers, to discuss the prescient issues of the day, including what amounts to an imminent threat. We continue to have those discussions at both a political and an official level, day in, day out.

[Lord Robathan (Con)]

How many NATO counterparts with whom the Minister has discussed this, particularly the Americans, have agreed with his summation of political problems?

[Lord Hermer (Lab)]

I am so sorry—I might have missed the end of the noble Lord’s question, but if it is about the frequency with which we discuss with our NATO allies the important contemporary issues of the day as they present themselves on the battlefield, or potential battlefields, those are ongoing discussions with intensity and purpose. They are not, of course, limited simply to NATO. More generally, our discussions with allies across the globe focus on the issues of the day, working together for the common good.