Attorney General Emphasizes Importance of International Order

Attorney General Richard Hermer KC delivered the annual Harry Street Lecture, emphasizing the critical importance of upholding the international rules-based order. The lecture, named after the late Professor Harry Street, a renowned legal scholar, provided a platform for the Attorney General to address the challenges facing the global community and the role of the law in maintaining stability and cooperation.

In his remarks, Hermer stressed the need for all nations to respect and adhere to the established international frameworks that have been painstakingly built over decades. He cautioned against the erosion of these systems, warning that the consequences could be dire, leading to increased conflict, instability, and threats to global security.

The Attorney General's address came at a time when the global geopolitical landscape is experiencing significant turbulence, with the rise of nationalist and populist movements in various parts of the world. Hermer emphasized the need for international cooperation and the rule of law as the bedrock of a stable and prosperous global order.

Highlighting the critical role played by international institutions such as the United Nations, Hermer underscored the importance of maintaining these multilateral frameworks to address transnational challenges, from climate change to global health crises. He called upon all nations to recommit to the principles of the rules-based order, which have been instrumental in fostering peace, prosperity, and human rights worldwide.

The Attorney General's lecture also touched on the evolving nature of international law and the need to adapt to emerging technological and geopolitical shifts. He highlighted the importance of strengthening legal frameworks to address emerging threats, such as cybercrime, disinformation, and the weaponization of new technologies.

Hermer's impassioned speech underscored the critical role of the legal profession in upholding the rule of law and ensuring the resilience of the international order. He emphasized the responsibility of lawyers, judges, and policymakers to safeguard the principles of justice, equality, and human dignity that are the foundation of the global rules-based system.

The Harry Street Lecture has long been regarded as a prestigious platform for addressing pressing issues in the legal and political spheres. Hermer's address was widely praised for its clarity, conviction, and urgent call to action, reminding all stakeholders of the vital importance of upholding the international rules-based order in these challenging times.