UK Attorney General Highlights Importance of International Law in RUSI Annual Security Lecture
On 29 May The Rt Hon Lord Hermer, the UK Attorney General, gave the Annual Security Lecture at RUSI.
Lord Hermer’s address considered the role of international law in dealing with current global geopolitical challenges, including conflict in the Middle East and Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, pointing out that these circumstances have reinforced the inexorable link between national security and the preservation of the existing multilateral system and international legal order.
In his address, Lord Hermer discussed the condition of the international-rules-based-order in 2025, as well as the intersection between national security and international law.
Lord Hermer said: “The international rules-based order soon breaks down when States claim that they can breach international law because it is in their national interests. That is the exceptionalist argument that Russia makes.”
The international rules-based order soon breaks down when States claim that they can breach international law because it is in their national interests. That is the exceptionalist argument that Russia makes.
Lord Hermer KC
UK Attorney General
He added: “A commitment to international law is both the right thing to do and the realistic, rational, cool-headed thing to do. We are Progressive Realists because painstakingly upholding and strengthening the rules that enshrine respect for human dignity, accountability for breaches of international humanitarian law, fair rules permitting free trade, protections for our environment and of defence pacts that protect democracies from autocracies — is not restraining ourselves but pursuing our national interest. And the only truly realistic choice we can make.”
Lord Hermer KC was appointed to his current role on 5 July 2024. He was called to the Bar in 1993 and took silk in 2009. Lord Hermer was previously Head of Chambers at Matrix and has served as a Deputy High Court Judge.
The lecture was moderated by The Rt Hon Lord Parker of Minsmere GCVO KCB PC, RUSI Distinguished Fellow and former Director General of the Security Service (MI5).
RUSI Members can watch the event recording below: