LABOUR’S Attorney General Lord Richard Hermer sparked outrage today after telling Tories not to criticise judges.
The close ally of Sir Keir Starmer lashed out at Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick for publicly complaining about cases where terrorists and foreign criminals are handed lenient sentences.
Lord Hermer sparked fury today for insisting no one should ever criticise judges[/caption]
At Labour Party Conference in Liverpool, Lord Hermer suggested judges are above reproach and insisted any claim “they aren’t doing their best” is unacceptable.
The Attorney General said: “It is utterly extraordinary that you can now have a Shadow Justice Minister who is openly calling out named judges, suggesting that they are not doing their best and that they are not delivering honest judgements.
“Prosecutors, all the kind of key institutions as part of our rule of law fabric, we all benefit from.
“I don’t think we can underestimate the threat that kind of language can have.”
Hitting back at the idea judges must never be challenged, Shadow National Security Minister Alicia Kearns said: “We should know the names of those who sit in judgment over others, and there should be public accountability for their decisions.
“We live in a democracy, we can disagree with judgments, there’s literally a process to appeal against unduly lenient sentences made by judges.”
Lord Hermer’s attack came after Mr Jenrick blasted a top judge for sympathising with the mastermind behind the 7/7 London bombing, ahead of his prison release.
In courtroom remarks Sir Robert Jay told Haroon Aswat – who confessed to the 2005 London atrocity and a role in 9/11 – “I have to wish you all the best”.
The Attorney General also used Labour’s party conference to praise Britain’s commitment to the European Court of Human Rights.
The close PM ally claimed staying tied to European courts will help curb small boat crossings.
The Attorney General argued Reform holds an advantage over Labour because they are “unburdened by having to tell the truth and be candid”.
Lord Hermer further admitted Labour is failing to persuade voters that human rights rules serve their best interests.
He said: “I want to pay credit to the populist far-right, they’re very good at communication.”
