The Audio Long Read Starmer v Starmer: why is the former human rights lawyer so cautious about defending human rights?
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Aug 18, 2025 Dive into the transformation of a former human rights lawyer turned Prime Minister, exploring their cautious evolution amid a challenging political landscape. Discover the tensions between human rights advocacy and national security, particularly with arms sales and international conflicts. The discussion highlights complex relationships with the European Convention on Human Rights and the balancing act required within state frameworks. It's a thought-provoking journey through the highs and lows of human rights in the UK.
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Lawyer Turned Cautious Statesman
- Keir Starmer's legal career gives him unrivalled expertise in human rights and international law.
- His prosecutorial and administrative experience shapes a cautious, state-centric approach to rights.
ICJ Case And Bureaucratic Skill
- Starmer once argued at the International Court of Justice under the Genocide Convention for Croatia against Serbia in 2014.
- Colleagues also recall him as a skilled administrator who knows how to operate state machinery effectively.
Split Reputation Over Rights
- Observers see a split: some praise Labour's restored legal tone while others note worrying policy shifts.
- Starmer's tactical, detail-focused style produces short-term stability but ambiguous human rights commitments.