Story perspectives

Starmer’s Legal Moves Spark Iraqi Lawsuit Floodgate, Says AG

4/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

Attorney General Lord Hermer testified that Sir Keir Starmer (now Prime Minister)’s legal actions opened floodgates for Iraqi lawsuits against British troops.
The witness statement says case law created by those claims allowed hundreds of claims to Ministry of Defence and let Iraqis pursue false imprisonment and mistreatment.
Critics argue the claims sparked a “witch hunt” against British troops and were linked to solicitor Phil Shiner, struck off and convicted of fraud.

1 of 1

Story summary

Attorney General Lord Hermer testified that Sir Keir Starmer (now Prime Minister)’s legal actions opened floodgates for Iraqi lawsuits against British troops.
The witness statement says case law created by those claims allowed hundreds of claims to Ministry of Defence and let Iraqis pursue false imprisonment and mistreatment.
Critics argue the claims sparked a “witch hunt” against British troops and were linked to solicitor Phil Shiner, struck off and convicted of fraud.