Overview
- Shadow Justice Secretary Nick Timothy filed a referral Friday asking the Bar Standards Board to investigate Lord Hermer for possible serious professional misconduct.
- The Telegraph’s release of more than 25,000 pages of documents included a 2008 email in which Hermer suggested leaving “wriggle room” in publicity if alleged killings “did not in fact happen,” and coverage says he later advised low‑risk settlements in 2013.
- Hermer’s spokesman says he worked only a few hours on the Al‑Sweady claims between 2008 and 2013, acted to ensure proper investigation that could clear soldiers, and did not know the allegations were false.
- Former Defence Secretary Sir Gavin Williamson urged the BSB to open a case, Nigel Farage reported Hermer to the House of Lords standards commissioner, and senior figures pressed him to explain any recusal from advising ministers.
- Veterans including Lance Corporal Brian Wood voiced anger over years of reputational harm, after the £31 million Al‑Sweady inquiry in 2014 found the core allegations were deliberate lies and fully cleared the soldiers, while the regulator has not announced any action.