Steerpike. . Since becoming leader of the Labour party, Keir Starmer has faced plenty of scrutiny about his career as a human rights lawyer and in particular the more unpleasant individuals he represented during his time at the bar. Starmer has, for example, represented in court the preacher Abu Qatada in his battle to avoid being deported to Jordan. For his part, Starmer has always defended himself by pointing out that he was simply doing the job of a lawyer which is often representing people you don t agree with. Still, you d think the new PM would be keen to keep this particular row out of the spotlight. Starmer s decision to appoint Richard Hermer KC as attorney general may just do the opposite though. Only last year, Hermer was representing none other but Gerry Adams, in a claim brought against Adams and the Provisional IRA by victims of bombings in London and Manchester Adams has consistently denied being a member of the IRA. In a court case last year, Hermerarguedthat part of the case against Adams and the Provisional IRA ought to be struck out, as the PIRA was an unincorporated association which was incapable in law of being sued. . Hermer is controversial for other reasons as well. The lawyeradvisedthe Labour party last year on the Tory government s antiboycott, divestment and sanctions Bill which prevented public bodies from supporting the BDS movement. Hermer wrote that the Bill would stifle free speech and profoundly detrimental impact on the United Kingdom s ability to protect and promote human rights overseas. . The lawyer was then cited in parliament by the Tory MP Simon Clarke, who asked the House:. Mr Hermer has previously authored a chapter in a book called Corporate complicity in Israel s occupation: evidence from the London session of the Russell Tribunal on Palestine , which is edited by some extremely interesting people I fear that they are interesting in the most negative sense. Is this really the calibre of individual who should be advising the official Opposition?. It certainly seems like a brave appointment from the new PM . Subscribe to unlock 3 months of unlimited access for just 3. Already a subscriber?Log in. Steerpike is The Spectator's gossip columnist, serving up the latest tittle tattle from Westminster and beyond. Email tips to steerpikespectator.co.uk or message MrSteerpike. Steerpike. . Trending. Also inPolitics. Also bySteerpike. Latest. Join the conversation with otherSpectatorreaders by getting your first 3 months for just 3. Already a subscriber?Log in
Keir Starmer faces scrutiny for appointing Richard Hermer KC as Attorney General due to his controversial past representing individuals like Gerry Adams and advising on the anti-BDS Bill. Critics question if Hermer is fit to advise the Opposition.