Why Starmer will survive: The Attorney General on human rights, small boats, and his ‘dogged’ friend the Prime Minister

Nick Robinson· Host0:00

Hello. Welcome to Political Thinking. He's a liberal lefty lawyer from North London who cares more about the human rights of illegal migrants and criminals than the rights of ordinary people. That is what the critics sometimes say of Keir Starmer. They also say it of my guest on Political Thinking this week, the Attorney General, Lord Herma. Richard Herma is Starmer's friend, his ally, and a colleague for many years when both were working barristers. He was parachuted into the House of Lords so he could become the government's top legal advisor. Lord Herma is an unapologetic champion of both international law and human rights law, which has made him the man that many on the right love to hate. He's a politician you rarely see or hear. Indeed, this is his first full-length broadcast interview. But his advice affects us all, whether it's on illegal migration, the war with Iran or lenient sentences handed down to teenage rapists. [upbeat music] Lord Herma, Richard Herma, Attorney General, welcome to Political Thinking.

Richard Hermer· Guest1:11

Nick, thanks so much. Real pleasure to be here.

Nick Robinson· Host1:13

I mentioned that you're the hate figure. When I was reading- Yeah, thanks for that.

Richard Hermer· Guest1:16

Nice easy, nice easy intro.

Nick Robinson· Host1:18

Well, sorry, it's gonna get worse, I'm afraid. When I read in, I find phrases like, "useful idiot for Britain's enemies," "the least patriotic man ever," in capital letters, "to hold high office,"