House of Commons · Urgent Question
23 January 2025 · 15 other contributors
Opened by Helen Grant Con Maidstone and Malling
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Helen Grant raised concerns about attorney general’s office conflicts of interest 2025-01-23 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
Key points
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
Will the Solicitor General make a statement on the management of conflicts of interest in the Attorney General’s Office, particularly regarding the Attorney General's previous representation of Gerry Adams and how this affects his ability to provide impartial legal advice?
Question
What are the formal procedures for the Attorney General's recusal in matters involving former clients? Has the Attorney General recused himself from any matters since taking office?
Minister reply
The rigorous process outlined ensures that a Law Officer would not be consulted on any matter that could give rise to a potential conflict of interest. Lord Hermer has followed the same processes as his predecessors in managing any potential conflicts.
Question
Does the Solicitor General agree that what the shadow Solicitor General is asking her to do, in a not very subtle way, is to breach the Law Officers’ convention by the back door?
Minister reply
I very much agree with my hon. Friend. I confirm that where the Attorney General has conflicts, he will recuse himself.
Question
Has the Attorney General sought independent legal advice regarding any possible conflicts of interest relating to his previous work at Matrix Chambers?
Minister reply
The rigorous process that exists in the Attorney General’s Office has existed across Administrations of all colours. I have outlined this process, which ensures appropriate management and recusal where necessary.
Question
Does my hon. Friend agree that the Opposition’s position fundamentally misunderstands the role of lawyers in our justice system?
Minister reply
I very much agree with my hon. Friend. The undermining of this foundational principle has been extremely cynical.
Question
Is it the Government’s choice to repeal sections 46 and 47 of the legacy Act that has raised the question before us today?
Minister reply
I do not agree, I am afraid.
Question
Does the Attorney General’s experience, having served both as a distinguished advocate and now as a Law Officer, not make him uniquely qualified to uphold the rule of law?
Minister reply
I am grateful to my hon. Friend for her question. Lord Hermer is an extraordinarily experienced barrister, bringing that experience to his role as Attorney General.
Question
Does the Solicitor General agree that Conservative Members would do well to remember that when they attack the Attorney General about his former clients, he is a barrister of international standing who represented victims of Grenfell Tower?
Minister reply
I am grateful to my hon. Friend for her question and I agree with her.
Question
Given the Attorney General's previous work, will he recuse himself from all matters relating to Gerry Adams, ensuring that Adams does not receive any compensation?
Minister reply
As I have already stated, the Law Officers’ convention does not permit me to reveal when the Attorney General has been asked for advice or when he has advised.
Question
Does the Solicitor General agree that existing processes can be left to regulate conflicts of interest, as they have done under successive Governments?
Minister reply
I agree with my hon. Friend and I am grateful to him for making that point.
Question
Given the Attorney General's track record, on which matters will he recuse himself from advising Ministers due to clear conflicts of interest?
Minister reply
I am afraid I could not be more clear: where the Attorney General has conflicts, he will recuse himself.
Question
Does the Solicitor General agree with the distinguished commercial barrister that a lawyer should not be identified personally with the cause for which they are arguing?
Minister reply
I agree wholeheartedly with my hon. Friend.
Question
Under the ministerial code, will the Solicitor General be open about whether the Attorney General chose or was required to recuse himself from advising on issues related to his previous clients?
Minister reply
I have already addressed that point.
Question
Does the Minister accept that the Law Officers’ convention does not extend to questions of recusal or conflicts of interest, and that these matters should be answered transparently?
Minister reply
I have been abundantly clear on this: where the Attorney General has conflicts, he will recuse himself.
Question
Does the Solicitor General accept that the Law Officers’ convention is being extended in order to remain silent about legitimate questions on recusal and conflict of interest?
Minister reply
I do not accept that the Law Officers’ convention is being extended at all. As I have said, where the Attorney General has conflicts, he will recuse himself.
Government Response
The Attorney General’s Office has an established and rigorous process for identifying and dealing with conflicts, and potential conflicts. The office adopts a cautious approach and 'beyond reproach' threshold to manage any conflicts or potential conflicts. My Department works with several government departments to revise and augment the list of conflicts identified. Once conflicts are ascertained, steps are taken to ensure that the Law Officer is appropriately limited in their involvement on matters related to the relevant area of Government policy or litigation. The Attorney General’s Office will continue to apply rigorous standards in its conflicts process.