Navigating Diplomacy: How Starmer's Commitment to International Law Shapes UK Foreign Relations

In a striking assertion, Lord Richard Hermer, the UK’s attorney general, emphasized that a commitment to international law is central to Sir Keir Starmer’s vision for foreign policy. In his debut broadcast interview, Hermer articulated how this principle is instrumental in the government’s efforts to lead on global law issues, facilitating recent economic agreements with major players like the US, India, and the EU.

Despite facing scrutiny over the legality of American military actions against Iran, which the UK government has refrained from commenting on, Hermer maintained that adherence to international law serves the national interest and enhances the UK’s reputation on the world stage.

Starmer’s strategy fosters a ‘warm’ relationship with the US, where he resists short-term political temptations and prioritizes stability and goodwill. Hermer insisted that being a trustworthy partner in international law is crucial for securing trade deals and advancing the UK’s diplomatic agenda, including migration agreements with France, Germany, and Iraq.

Furthermore, Hermer addressed criticism following his controversial remarks comparing contemporary political pressures to the Nazi era in Germany, emphasizing that he values meaningful dialogue and cycles of mutual respect with allies. \n

These insights reveal a commitment to a law-abiding UK that strives to present itself as a nation of integrity when dealing with global partners, ensuring that international law is not merely a bureaucratic measure but a pathway to improving life for UK citizens and maintaining the country’s global standing.