Britain's Attorney General Lord Hermer praised eco-activists as "frankly inspiring" during a period of disruptive Just Stop Oil protests in 2023, The Sun on Sunday has revealed.
The comments were made during a podcast at his former legal firm Matrix, where he discussed environmental demonstrations and proposed legislation.
The revelations have intensified scrutiny of the Cabinet minister, who has already faced criticism for his previous work as a lawyer representing Gerry Adams and other controversial clients.
Lord Hermer, a close associate of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, made the remarks while discussing protest movements and their impact on society.
In the podcast, Lord Hermer expressed optimism about environmental protesters, particularly young activists
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In the podcast, Lord Hermer expressed optimism about environmental protesters, particularly young activists.
"We are seeing so many people, particularly young people, so concerned about the future of the planet for all of us that they are willing to come out in their numbers and onto the streets and demonstrate in the way that they do," he said.
He added: "And that is frankly inspiring."
The Attorney General also criticised the current government's impact on Britain's international standing, stating there was "some hope in the future" despite the government "having a pretty good go at trashing it."
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During the podcast discussion, Lord Hermer questioned aspects of the Public Order Bill 2023, which aimed to crack down on disruptive protest tactics.
The legislation made "locking on" - where protesters attach themselves to objects, buildings or each other - a criminal offence.
This tactic was frequently employed by Just Stop Oil and Extinction Rebellion activists, causing delays to emergency services and disrupting daily commutes.
Lord Hermer appeared to challenge the necessity of criminalising such actions, asking: "Is there anything objectionable per se if you are locking yourself to somebody and closing down the M25?"
Lord Hermer appeared to challenge the necessity of criminalising such actions
JUST STOP OIL
"It might strike people as objectionable, that's criminalised," he added.
The comments have drawn sharp criticism from Conservative Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick.
"Every day Lord Hermer shows why he's unfit to serve in Government," said Jenrick.
He added: "It's crazy that the man tasked with upholding the law celebrated eco protests when Just Stop Oil and Extinction Rebellion were flagrantly breaking the law at their protests."
A source close to Lord Hermer defended his position, stating he was "categorically not endorsing any criminal behaviour" but rather making a general statement about peaceful protests.
