The Government’s top law officer has revealed he has recused himself from advising ministers on “certain matters” but could not give details as he was bound by convention. Attorney General Lord Hermer KC was speaking after questions were raised over how his previous legal work, including representing former Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams, could result in possible conflicts of interest in his current role.
The Labour frontbencher told peers there was a “rigorous system” in place for dealing with such instances and insisted his department “will always err on the side of caution”. He pointed out the law officers’ convention prevented him from saying which matters he had advised on and where he had recused himself.
The Conservatives have requested an investigation by Cabinet Secretary Sir Chris Wormald in relation to Lord Hermer, including on the “representation of Gerry Adams in matters related to the Legacy Act”. Lord Hermer recently said he represented Mr Adams on “something unconnected” to the Act and also represented the family of a young British soldier murdered by the IRA in the 1970s.
The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 stopped former Troubles internees such as Mr Adams from seeking compensation, although the Labour Government has proposed repealing and replacing the legislation. Responding to a repeat of an urgent question asked by the Tories in the Commons, Lord Hermer said: “It is vital that the public are reassured that the highest standards of propriety are applied by my department and I welcome the opportunity to answer questions today.
