The new government means a new Cabinet. And not every shadow minister transferred into the government job.
A notable surprise is that the previous shadow Attorney General, Emily Thornberry, was not awarded the position. Instead this went to Richard Hermer KC who is not an MP and has instead been given a life peerage. The question arises who is Richard Hermer and is he the right person for the job?
The appointment of someone to the cabinet who is not an MP is potentially controversial, especially after the backlash surrounding David Cameron being appointed to the previous government. Some may question whether this was the right decision especially when the previous shadow Attorney-General was expected to get the role. Emily Thornberry has the experience of being an MP and shadowing the brief, as well as of working as a Human Rights Barrister. She was the expected candidate, but what sets Hermer apart?
Richard Hermer KC has spent the majority of his career as a human rights barrister, even earning the title of Kings Counsel, a testament to his ability. His career includes representing, upholding and protecting the rights of people within Britain and internationally.
Some of his fundamental cases include leading negotiations towards the 2023 settlement of compensation claims for Grenfell victims. He was also involved in the ‘Trafigura Litigation’, one of the largest class actions cases in England due to the dumping of toxic waste in the Ivory Coast.
Furthermore, he has upheld fundamental human rights by leading claims against multinationals for failures to protect women in Malawi and Kenya from sexual violence in the workplace. Not only has this protected women by ensuring their safety and providing compensation, but it has also led to the creation of female empowerment programmes, further safeguarding their future and rights. Another key case is Abra v Monterrico, a claim against a UK mining company by Peruvian environmental protestors for complicity in torture.
His outstanding career offers hope, that when advising the government, he will do this with people in mind. He is well placed to respect the citizens of Britain and the importance of their human rights as he has done for his entire career. This provides the feeling that the government will strive to represent the people that elected them as well as safeguarding the environment and people’s safety.
At his swearing in speech, some key points included his constant reference back to the rule of law. This is a key legal principle that refers to the members of the government not acting above the law and remaining with its parameters. Due to his legal background this is not surprising as it is taught to lawyers from day one and a lawyer would want to emphasise upholding the principle. This is clear reference to previous Conservative governments where, arguably, the law was not upheld. Important ministers, such as the Health Secretary and the Prime Minister, were in breach of important Covid-19 rules, contradicting the rule of law principle. This perhaps suggest that the new government will demonstrate a major shift, including a prioritisation of the rule of law and the restoration of faith in government. Even though we should expect this approach, Hermer’s tone could signify that politics is going to undergo a major shift and the Labour government is going to make positive strides to change the way politics has been done.
The new Attorney General also mentioned accessibility. Is he referring to a much-needed increase in legal aid or access to the legal profession? Either way both problems need addressing, and the question remains, with his expertise will everything mentioned actually improve?
Despite being the unexpected choice, Richard Hermer’s career clearly speaks for itself, and he is capable of handling such a role. However, it is up to Hermer now to prove that he is the right choice for the role and that he really can make a positive difference like he has promised.
By Jessica Casey.