UK’s top lawyer attacks Badenoch over call to leave European human rights treaty

The UK Attorney-General Richard Hermer has criticized Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch’s proposal for Britain to leave the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), stating that such a move would benefit adversaries like Vladimir Putin. In a lecture, Hermer emphasized the importance of adhering to international law while advocating for treaty reforms instead of outright abandonment, arguing that international law underpins state sovereignty. Despite facing criticism for prioritizing international agreements, Hermer maintains that reform is necessary and desirable, aligning with Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer’s commitment to remaining part of the ECHR.