Labour’s Attorney General Lord Richard Hermer incited backlash today after advising Conservative MPs to refrain from criticizing judges, reports BritPanorama.
Speaking at the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool, Lord Hermer condemned Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick for publicly decrying recent court rulings that granted lenient sentences to terrorists and foreign criminals. His comments followed Jenrick’s denunciation of a judge who expressed sympathy for the mastermind behind the 7/7 London bombings as he approached his release.
In courtroom statements, Sir Robert Jay remarked to Haroon Aswat, who has confessed to the 2005 London attacks and involvement in 9/11, “I have to wish you all the best.” Lord Hermer responded strongly, asserting that it is “utterly extraordinary” for a Shadow Justice Minister to cast aspersions on judges’ integrity and competence.
He emphasized the dangers of such rhetoric, remarking, “Prosecutors, all the kind of key institutions as part of our rule of law fabric, we all benefit from. I don’t think we can underestimate the threat that kind of language can have.”
In contrast, Shadow National Security Minister Alicia Kearns contended that judges ought to be held accountable, asserting, “We live in a democracy, we can disagree with judgments; there’s literally a process to appeal against unduly lenient sentences made by judges.”
During the conference, Lord Hermer also endorsed Britain’s commitment to the European Court of Human Rights, arguing that ongoing ties with European courts are essential for addressing issues such as small boat crossings. He maintained that the Reform Party holds an advantage over Labour because they are “unburdened by having to tell the truth and be candid.”
Furthermore, he acknowledged that Labour struggles to convey to voters how human rights regulations align with their best interests, crediting the populist far-right for their effective communication strategies.
