Lord Hermer Wields ‘Effective Veto’ Over Government Policy, Documents Reveal

UK Attorney General Faces Allegations of Overstepping Authority

The UK’s Attorney General, Lord Hermer, has reportedly taken on a significant role in shaping government policy, with some suggesting he now holds an “effective veto” over key decisions. This comes amid growing concerns about his influence and the changes he has made to legal guidance for government lawyers.

Changes to Legal Guidance

Recent documents obtained by The Telegraph reveal that Lord Hermer has modified instructions issued by former Home Secretary Suella Braverman in 2022. These changes are said to have weakened efforts to prevent lawyers from challenging government plans. The new guidance includes several notable additions, such as a “snitch clause,” which encourages civil servants to report ministers if they are at risk of breaking the law.

In addition to this, Lord Hermer is alleged to have introduced 23 references to international law into the guidance. This means that government lawyers are now instructed to consider how each decision made by a minister could be legally contested. This is a shift from previous advice, which suggested that such challenges were unlikely.

Controversial Actions and Criticisms

Lord Hermer has faced criticism from within the government, with allegations that he has used legal objections to block policies. Recently, he was accused of preventing the UK from supporting Israel during a conflict with Iran. Despite the UK’s history of aiding its ally, it is claimed that Lord Hermer advised against intervention during a brief war last month.

Another point of contention involves the Chagos Islands, the UK’s last territory in the Indian Ocean. Lord Hermer is said to have played a major role in surrendering the islands to comply with a non-binding ruling by the International Court of Justice.

Reactions from Political Figures

Conservative figures have criticized the changes to the legal guidance. Sir Michael Ellis, a former Conservative attorney general, stated that Lord Hermer had “effectively given himself a veto over all government business.” He questioned the trust placed in ministers, suggesting that officials should not be required to report on their own colleagues.

Alex Burghart, shadow chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, described the guidance as a “surrender charter.” He argued that provisions like the “snitch clause” could harm government discussions and national interests. Burghart added that Lord Hermer’s approach prioritized the views of activist lawyers over the country’s needs.

Defense from Lord Hermer’s Camp

A source close to Lord Hermer dismissed the allegations as “desperate nonsense” from the Tory party. A spokesman for the Attorney General emphasized the government’s focus on implementing the Plan for Change, including reducing NHS waiting lists and expanding school meal programs. The spokesperson also reiterated that while lawyers advise ministers, final policy decisions rest with the ministers themselves.

Ongoing Debate

As the debate continues, the role of the Attorney General in shaping government policy remains a topic of intense scrutiny. With growing concerns about his influence, the implications of these changes could have lasting effects on how the UK governs and responds to both domestic and international challenges.