The United Kingdom has officially abandoned its previous ‘pick-and-mix’ approach to international law, committing instead to uphold a rules-based international order, as articulated by Attorney General Richard Hermer.

In a recent address at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), a prominent defence think tank in London, Hermer underscored the necessity for Britain to adhere fully to international law to prevent the potential disintegration of the global legal framework.

Hermer’s remarks come in light of an evolving foreign policy stance termed ‘progressive realism,’ which combines a pragmatic assessment of national interests with a principled obligation to international legal norms.

This policy was initially outlined by Foreign Secretary David Lammy and seeks to position the UK in a proactive role within the international community.

The attorney general criticized previous actions by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, particularly in relation to the Brexit negotiations and the UK’s contentious asylum policy, which sought to relocate asylum seekers to Rwanda.

This policy faced significant legal challenges, including scrutiny from the UK Supreme Court, which raised concerns regarding compliance with the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).

This backdrop has led to renewed debate among Conservative party members regarding the UK’s relationship with the ECHR, a treaty established over seven decades ago.

Hermer emphasized that a selective adherence to international law could undermine the very framework designed to uphold global order, citing comparisons to justifications for international law breaches employed by other nations, particularly Russia.

He argued that the erosion of a collective legal approach happens when states prioritize national interests over established legal commitments.

In describing his vision for UK foreign policy, Hermer identified two extremes in political thought: ‘romantic idealists’ who rely on moral principles as a basis for international law, and ‘pseudo realists’ who advocate for abandoning international commitments during times of volatility.

He criticized both perspectives while advocating for a balanced approach that respects legal obligations.

This shift in policy aims to enhance the UK's international reputation and foster constructive relations with key partners.

Recent developments include negotiations that have resulted in new trade agreements with countries such as India, the United States, and Japan.

Additionally, Hermer mentioned the UK’s engagement with Germany to address the issue of asylum seekers attempting perilous crossings from the continent.

The attorney general concluded by asserting that a commitment to international law not only safeguards national interests but also strengthens the UK’s position as a leader in the global rules-based order.

With his background in human rights and international law, Hermer has been positioned to influence government discussions on pressing legal matters, including recent policy shifts concerning Israel and the ongoing conflict in Gaza.