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Emails and legal documents obtained by The Telegraph reveal that Attorney General Lord Hermer was repeatedly warned that Iraqi allegations of murder and torture against British soldiers were false, yet he continued to press civil claims against the Ministry of Defence for nearly a decade.
Hermer Led Claims Despite Warnings
The documents show Lord Hermer acted as lead counsel in the Al-Sweady civil claims. Internal emails and memos warned him that his eight Iraqi clients were “on the make” and that the allegations were “nonsense”. Despite this, he pushed for taxpayer-funded settlements before the claims could be fully tested at the public inquiry.
Al-Sweady Inquiry Exposed Deliberate Lies
The £31 million Al-Sweady public inquiry ruled in 2014 that the claims were “deliberate lies” made by members of the Iranian-backed Mahdi Army, not innocent civilians. British troops were fully exonerated after years of false accusations of torture and execution following the Battle of Danny Boy in 2004.
Veterans React With Anger
Decorated soldier L/Cpl Brian Wood, who received the Military Cross, said he “went through hell for years” and called for Lord Hermer to resign. Gen Sir Peter Wall, former head of the Army, described Hermer’s involvement as “tantamount to treason”. A leading lawyer has called for a Bar Standards Board misconduct investigation.
Hermer’s Role in the Case
Lord Hermer became substantially involved in 2008 on a conditional fee (“no-win, no-fee”) basis. Early emails show him describing the Iraqi statements as “very powerful” but also advising on press strategy with “wriggle room if the killings did not in fact happen”. He continued pressing for higher settlements even after being told key elements lacked credibility and that some claimants were convicted Mahdi Army members.
- Emails warned Hermer Iraqi claims were false and clients “on the make”
- He continued to pursue compensation against British troops
- Al-Sweady Inquiry ruled allegations “deliberate lies” in 2014
- British soldiers fully exonerated after decade-long ordeal
- Veterans and senior figures call for accountability
What This Means for Britain
The revelations raise serious questions about the judgment of the Government’s most senior legal adviser. The Al-Sweady scandal caused decorated British soldiers years of distress while taxpayers faced millions in costs. The independent inquiry and leaked documents highlight how warnings about the credibility of the claims were allegedly ignored in pursuit of the cases. As the Attorney General, Lord Hermer now holds a key role advising on national security and legal policy. The episode underscores ongoing public concern about accountability when serious allegations are made against members of the Armed Forces and how such cases are handled by lawyers and the courts. The families of the soldiers involved and the wider public will want to see full transparency as the story develops. The case also renews debate about the balance between access to justice and protecting those who serve the country from prolonged, unfounded legal action.
Share if you believe veterans deserve full accountability and protection from vexatious claims.
This article is a factual summary of reporting by The Telegraph. Full original story available on their website. All quotes directly attributed.
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For a start he should be stripped of his title, and pursued through the courts for knowing those guys were being tried on false information! Now it’s his turn to be called out!
Definatley . I’m sick of these righ titled folk getting away with murder !!
lets see if starmer sacks or backs him, I know where my money would go
I think we all know.
Put him in prison
‘Harmer’ is a traitor and we all know where traitors should go!
Him & Starmer should both be charged with Treason. Starmer isn’t protecting us . The citizens .. he should be held accountable for any & all crimes committed by immigrants as He has let them all in amd still is ! !
Of course he was. Making money. Like all Labour, no morals so long as they get what they want.