New documents reveal Attorney General Lord Hermer’s key role in legal actions against British soldiers accused of war crimes during the Iraq conflict. Critics highlight his involvement in prosecutions stemming from alleged incidents, including those after the 2004 Battle of Danny Boy, where troops faced an ambush.
Legal Actions Against Servicemen
Lord Hermer charged £450 per hour for services related to human rights claims against military personnel. He collaborated with lawyers representing Iraqis who alleged British forces executed civilians post-battle. These claims were later dismissed by the Al-Sweady inquiry, which found no evidence to support them.
Phil Shiner, a solicitor involved in these cases, received a prison sentence and was struck off the roll. In correspondence uncovered during the inquiry, Lord Hermer wrote to Shiner: “Of course we all feel terrible when we make mistakes but most of us are lucky not to have them exposed in this way.”
Broader International Cases
Lord Hermer also played a part in the UK’s decision to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, while retaining the Diego Garcia military base. This move followed a ruling by the International Court of Justice.
Additionally, he advises Caribbean nations on claims for reparations related to the historical slave trade. Previously, he represented Kenyan victims of alleged torture during the Mau Mau insurgency, leading to a £20 million government settlement.
Impact on Military Morale
Retired SAS officers anger over the use of human rights laws in these prosecutions, describing it as disrespectful to troops. One veteran likened the situation to “battling on two fronts: the enemy in front of us; human rights lawyers behind us.”
Ongoing legal concerns contribute to declining morale in special forces, with some personnel resigning to avoid future prosecutions. The recent repeal of the Legacy Act, replaced by a new bill on Northern Ireland Troubles cases, aims to address historical incidents but raises worries among veterans about increased vulnerability.
