As Donald Trump approves plans for a potential strike on Iran, awaiting a final order to see if Iran would concede to a last minute deal to end its nuclear programme, Attorney General Richard Hermer is already throwing up roadblocks. Hermer reportedly told Keir Starmer yesterday that UK involvement “could be illegal,” with one Whitehall official saying bluntly:
“The AG has concerns about the UK playing any role in this except for defending our allies.”
In other words – if the US acts, Hermer is threatening to block any military support. Energy minister Miatta Fahnbulleh was rolled out this morning to defend the line, telling Times Radio:
“We have a prime minister who is a lawyer and a human rights lawyer. He will obviously do everything that is in accord with international law.”
Meanwhile, David Lammy is in Washington for talks with Trump’s secretary of state Marco Rubio to call for ‘de-escalation’. Hermer’s fast becoming more of a liability than a legal advisor for Number 10…
Speaking at his speech on how to achieve “progressive capitalism” Wes Streeting fired a dig and Andy Burnham:
“Bond markets are not bond villains and fiscal rules matter.”