Calls for the resignation of Britain’s attorney general have intensified after he was labeled a “threat to national security” due to alleged ties to a scandal involving false accusations against British soldiers regarding the massacre of Iraqi civilians over 20 years ago.
The controversial Attorney General, known as “Lord” Harmer, was promoted from a human rights lawyer to the House of Lords, and subsequently to its highest position by Prime Minister Keir Starmer after the 2024 general election. Reports have emerged suggesting he is under investigation and facing pressure to step down following a newspaper’s claim that he was privy to many documents linked to the notorious Al-Suweedi case.
The case involved accusations against British troops of torturing and killing Iraqi villagers in 2004. An investigation exonerated the soldiers while revealing that the claims had come from members of an Iranian-backed paramilitary group, raising questions about the legitimacy of the allegations. It’s been described as “one of the most notorious witch hunts in British military history.”
Phil Shiner, a prominent lawyer from the case, was dismissed from the bar and convicted of fraud. Yet, recent reports suggest that thousands of documents indicate a significant involvement by the current attorney general, casting doubt on his previous denials.
A spokesperson for Lord Harmer refuted these allegations, stating: “Any suggestion that solicitors acted on behalf of individuals knowing that their claims were false is categorically false.” Still, the seriousness of the claims has led to a referral to both the House of Lords Standards Committee and the Solicitors Standards Committee. A former commander of Britain’s SAS Special Forces has also called for Harmer to resign “for the love of his country.”
According to a timeline shared by a prominent newspaper, Harmer played a significant role in the case after accusations surfaced from self-proclaimed Iraqi farmers about torture and murder. He allegedly wrote in a 2008 email that the Iraq allegations were “a good reminder of why I wanted to become a lawyer.”
Interestingly, even early in these proceedings, lawyers, including Mr. Harmer, voiced doubts about the alleged massacres. They questioned why soldiers would kill civilians without reason and how such a major incident could possibly be concealed within the military. In another email, Harmer reportedly expressed skepticism about the claims while also pushing for tougher action against the British government.
He allegedly noted: “Striking the balance between getting the big story out there and giving us room to cringe if no murder actually occurred.”
The ties between Harmer, the events, and the Prime Minister run deeper than mere professional decisions. During document communications, Harmer praised Starmer for his “landmark” legal arguments that enabled Iraqis to sue British soldiers. This connection has raised concerns given Harmer’s history of prosecuting military personnel linked to Iranian-backed groups.
A report indicated that following the release of these documents, the shadow attorney general, Lord Wolfson of Tredegar, argued that Harmer should provide a “full account” of his involvement and suggested that he recuse himself from particular cases due to his background. Some critics worry that soldiers may face heightened legal risks due to current reforms.
Harmer’s Conservative counterpart, Shadow Attorney General Nick Timothy, has referred him to the Solicitors Standards Commission, suggesting that the revelations point to “serious professional misconduct” warranting investigation. Timothy remarked: “Despite warnings that the murder charge was false, he pursued the British soldiers.” He emphasized that this situation reflects poorly on Starmer’s decision to appoint Harmer as Attorney General.
Brexit leader Nigel Farage even reported Harmer to the House of Lords standards committee, denouncing him as “an extremely unpatriotic person” and a “threat to national security.”
Military veterans seem particularly critical. Former Under Secretary of Defense and Army Officer Johnny Mercer has voiced concerns about Harmer’s loyalties, stating: “Which side is Lord Helmer actually on?” He emphasized the gravity of Harmer collaborating with adversaries to jeopardize national security.
Lieutenant Colonel Richard Williams, a former commander of the elite 22SAS special forces, has also called for Harmer to resign, asserting that the attorney general is part of a group of ideologically driven human rights lawyers who unfairly target British soldiers based on an anti-military agenda. Williams condemned the exploitation of the UK Human Rights Act as damaging to Britain’s military capabilities and overall defense.
