The Attorney General, Lord Hermer, has issued an apology for what he described as “clumsy” language after drawing controversial parallels between Conservative and Reform UK positions on the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and legal rhetoric used in 1930s Nazi Germany.
In a speech delivered on Thursday at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), Lord Hermer warned against calls for Britain to withdraw from international agreements such as the ECHR.
He likened these demands to those made by German jurists in the early 1930s, who prioritised state power over international law and human rights—a stance that laid ideological groundwork for the Nazi regime.
His remarks triggered a fierce backlash from senior Conservatives and Reform UK leaders, who condemned the comparison as “disgraceful” and “offensive”.
A spokesperson for Lord Hermer clarified on Friday: “The Attorney General was defending the vital role of international law in safeguarding national security, countering threats from hostile states like Russia, and combating organised immigration crime.”
“While he stands by the essence of his argument, he acknowledges that the historical reference was poorly chosen and regrets its use.”
Tories and Reform UK React with Outrage
Kemi Badenoch, Leader of the Conservative Party, sharply criticised Lord Hermer: “Whether it’s his refusal to fight the case against Kneecap, his advice to hand over £30 billion and British territory in the Chagos Islands, or now branding critics of the ECHR as Nazis—his judgement has been consistently appalling. This isn’t just embarrassing; it’s dangerous.”
She added: “Lord Hermer represents the rule of lawyers, not the rule of law. If Sir Keir Starmer had any backbone, he’d dismiss him. But I doubt he’ll challenge his friend and former donor.”
A Conservative Party spokesperson also weighed in, stating: “The outrage surrounding Lord Hermer’s foolish and offensive speech should be directed squarely at Number 10. If this address wasn’t approved, he should be removed from office—unless the Prime Minister lacks the strength to stand up to him.”
Reform UK’s leader, Nigel Farage, also responded: “An apology is something, but the damage to Britain continues. Lord Hermer embodies everything wrong with this failing government.”
His deputy, Richard Tice, remarked: “Calling his words ‘clumsy’ is the understatement of the month. Still, at least he’s admitted he was wrong.”
Defending International Law and Labour’s Foreign Policy Vision
In his Thursday address, Lord Hermer championed Labour’s strategy of “progressive realism” in foreign policy, warning against the growing domestic narrative advocating Britain’s retreat from international legal frameworks.
He said: “There is a troubling siren song within Westminster and the media suggesting that Britain should cast off the constraints of international law in favour of unchecked state power. But this is not a new argument. Similar ideas were promoted in early 1930s Germany by ‘realist’ legal theorists like Carl Schmitt, who asserted that the power of the state outweighed the rule of law.”
Lord Hermer referenced the post-1933 transformation of international and constitutional legal institutions, stressing the importance of upholding such frameworks to prevent a return to authoritarianism.
Carl Schmitt, a legal scholar infamous for his support of the Nazi regime, joined the party in 1933 and played a key role in legitimising its ideology before falling out of favour and being sidelined.
