Attorney General Faces Scrutiny Over Conflicts of Interest in Government Role

Lord Hermer KC confirms recusal from certain cases due to prior legal work, raising questions about his ability to advise on sensitive matters.

Lord Hermer KC, the Attorney General, has admitted to recusing himself from advising the government on certain matters, citing potential conflicts of interest from his past legal work.
Hermer previously represented Gerry Adams, former Sinn Fein leader, in a case involving IRA bomb victims, as well as Afghan families and asylum seekers, leading to concerns about impartiality in his current role.
The Attorney General emphasized that a rigorous system is in place to identify and manage conflicts, ensuring the department errs on the side of caution when necessary.
The Conservative Party has called for an investigation into Hermer's potential conflicts, particularly regarding his involvement in decisions related to the Legacy Act and compensation for Troubles-related cases.
Labour and Hermer have defended his role, with Hermer asserting that recusals have no material impact on his department's work and rejecting accusations of impropriety.