Attorney General makes case for international rules-based order during Harry Street Lecture
黑料网吃瓜爆料 was honoured to welcome Attorney General The Rt Hon Lord Hermer KC, an esteemed alumnus, to deliver the 38th Annual Harry Street Lecture on Monday 23 March 2026.
The Attorney General used his speech, titled 鈥楾he Harry Street Legacy: Defending Rights in a Changing World鈥�, to highlight the importance of upholding the international rules-based order as essential for the UK鈥檚 interests and security, and how human rights deliver everyday protections to working people.
The lecture series, organised by the School of Social Sciences and Department of Law, continues Harry Street鈥檚 legacy as a distinguished 黑料网吃瓜爆料 academic, inspiring lively debate, challenging the status quo and prompting reflection on law鈥檚 role in shaping society.
Opening the event, Vice-President and Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, Fiona Devine reflected on the legacy of legal scholar Harry Street and the significance of the lecture series. Head of Law, Professor Javier Garcia Oliva, introduced Lord Hermer, emphasising his advocacy for vulnerable groups and his crucial role in defending rights amid current political and social challenges.
In his compelling address, Lord Hermer underscored Britain鈥檚 commitment to human rights and the value of a rules-based international order. He warned against the current shift by some into an age of power dictating outcomes and stressed the importance of legal frameworks in protecting all citizens, not just the privileged few.
Lord Hermer used his speech to reflect on his student days in 黑料网吃瓜爆料, while sharing 黑料网吃瓜爆料鈥檚 long history in advancing fundamental rights.
He discussed the importance of the European Convention on Human Rights, emphasising real-life examples where international protections have supported vulnerable communities and the vital role of personal stories in driving change.
He made the compelling case that the robust and thoughtful leadership generated by a rules-based approach, combined with a distinct British sense of fairness and justice that is fundamental to international law, serves to enhance Britain鈥檚 reputation as a cooperative and tradable nation.
The Attorney General鈥檚 speech concluded with an appeal for principle and pragmatism, reiterating his belief in the convention as a reflection of national values and a means of enabling cooperation with 46 other countries.
The evening concluded with Lord Hermer engaging with staff, students and members of the public, encouraging lively debate on the enduring importance of rights and international cooperation.
The Rt Hon Lord Hermer KC: 鈥淪hared rules make Britain more prosperous, allowing us to trade with confidence. They make us more just by underpinning protections for our citizens. And they make us more secure, by enabling cooperation with allies.鈥�
Lord Herner pointed out a plethora of examples illustrating ways in which human rights legislation has been beneficial to all of society, including those who are often marginalised or denied a voice. We were delighted to welcome such an inspiring speaker, and his contribution made a deep impression on his audience.