Calls for Investigation into Attorney General's Potential Conflicts of Interest

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Robert Jenrick, the shadow justice secretary, has called on the Cabinet Secretary to investigate Attorney General Lord Hermer over potential conflicts of interest linked to his past legal clients, including Gerry Adams, former Sinn Fein leader. Jenrick has raised concerns that Lord Hermer's refusal to disclose whether he advised ministers on cases involving his previous clients undermines public trust in the Attorney General's Office and the rule of law.  

 

Jenrick's letter to Sir Chris Wormald, head of the Civil Service, highlighted Lord Hermer’s reliance on the convention that government law officers do not disclose whether they have advised ministers. According to Jenrick, this convention is meant to ensure the proper functioning of government, not to shield conflicts of interest from scrutiny.  

 

The controversy intensified after it was revealed that Labour intends to repeal a law preventing Adams from claiming compensation for his 1970s detention over alleged terrorist connections. Lord Hermer, who previously represented Adams in a separate legal matter involving IRA bomb victims, has refused to clarify whether he advised on the compensation issue.  

 

Additionally, The Telegraph reported on another potential conflict involving asylum seekers from the Chagos Islands. Shortly after Lord Hermer’s appointment, the government granted a "one-off" deal for 61 asylum seekers he had represented as a barrister to come to Britain, reversing a previous court decision. Lord Hermer’s past representations also include Afghans in a war crimes inquiry and Shamima Begum, a former ISIS member seeking to return to the UK.  

 

In his letter, Jenrick emphasized the importance of transparency, writing, “Refusing to provide direct answers to these questions risks undermining public confidence in the Attorney General’s Office and the rule of law itself.” He also called for an investigation to clarify whether Lord Hermer had recused himself from decisions involving his former clients and whether formal procedures were in place to manage potential conflicts.  

 

Jenrick expressed particular concern over Lord Hermer’s public remarks on the Chagos Islands. As Attorney General, Lord Hermer described Britain’s “obligation” to the islands, aligning with positions he previously advocated for in court. Jenrick argued that such comments were incompatible with proper recusal, stating, “A minister who has recused themselves from a matter due to conflict of interest should not be making speeches or public pronouncements on that very issue.”  

 

The Attorney General’s Office defended its procedures, assuring the public that rigorous systems prevent law officers from being involved in cases presenting conflicts of interest. Meanwhile, Number 10 clarified that the decision to repeal the law affecting Adams was made by Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn, not Lord Hermer.  

 

Despite these assurances, Jenrick’s letter raises significant questions about the management of conflicts of interest within the government’s legal services. He has sought urgent clarification on six key issues, emphasizing the broader implications for public trust and national security.

 

Based on a report by Daily Telegraph 2025-01-21

 

 

[Classic Ray]

I have been watching a series called “Say Nothing” (recommended) detailing IRA activity in which Dolours Price clearly highlights Gerry Adams’ position and activity in the IRA.

 

Whilst each episode carries a denial by Adams of his involvement in the IRA, as far as I know he has taken no legal action to stop this dramatisation.

 

To think of paying him a penny for all the evil carried out in his name makes me sick.