Rules Are Right

Key Takeaways

• International law seen as guide for UK national interest
• Rejects immediate military intervention in Iran conflict
• Emphasizes NATO alliance and increased defence spending
• Argues legal reputation boosts trade confidence
• Warns 'might is right' leads to strategic chaos

Summary

Lord Hermer KC, the UK attorney general, used a Manchester lecture to argue that Britain’s national interest is best served by upholding international law amid escalating US and Israeli military actions against Iran. He warned that a "might is right" approach would push the UK into hasty, costly combat and erode its reputation as a trusted legal partner. Hermer stressed that respecting legal frameworks enhances trade confidence, security cooperation, and moral standing. He concluded that the UK must maintain NATO ties, boost defence spending, and reject any impulse for immediate offensive war.

Pulse Analysis

The recent Harry Street lecture delivered by Lord Hermer KC underscores a growing consensus among senior UK officials that adherence to international law is not merely a moral choice but a strategic asset. In the volatile context of U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran, Hermer cautioned against a reflexive "might is right" response that could entangle Britain in a rapid‑fire conflict with limited strategic gain. By framing legal compliance as a compass for national interest, he positions the rule‑based order as a stabilising force that safeguards Britain’s diplomatic credibility and mitigates the risks of unilateral military action.

Hermer’s remarks also carry weighty implications for defence policy. He unequivocally rejected calls to scale back NATO commitments or slash defence budgets, arguing that a robust, well‑funded military is essential to uphold the very legal norms Britain champions. This perspective aligns with recent parliamentary debates on increasing defence spending to counter perceived threats from Russia and an increasingly assertive Iran. By linking military strength to the credibility of legal commitments, Hermer suggests that a capable armed forces not only deters aggression but also reinforces the UK’s bargaining power in multilateral negotiations.

Beyond security, the lecture highlights the economic dividends of a reputation for legal reliability. International partners are more likely to engage in trade and investment with a nation that consistently honours its obligations, reducing transaction costs and fostering long‑term partnerships. As Britain navigates post‑Brexit realities and seeks to diversify its trade portfolio, maintaining a rules‑based image could prove decisive in attracting allies and markets. Hermer’s advocacy thus weaves together law, security, and commerce, presenting a holistic blueprint for Britain’s future strategic posture.