Keir Starmer's Mixed Record on Human Rights as UK Prime Minister

Keir Starmer, the current UK Prime Minister, brings a unique background to his role as a distinguished human rights lawyer and former prosecutor with over 30 years of experience. Notably, Starmer is the only British prime minister to have argued a case under the genocide convention at the International Court of Justice, representing Croatia against Serbia in 2014. His deep knowledge of human rights law, including authoring a book on its European framework, and his administrative experience as Director of Public Prosecutions, position him as a leader well-equipped to navigate the challenges facing the international human rights system, which is currently under significant threat globally. However, despite expectations from supporters that Starmer would strengthen the UK’s commitment to international law, the Labour Party’s record over the past year has been described as mixed. Critics point to actions and policies under his leadership that appear to weaken protections for certain vulnerable minorities within the UK. Additionally, there are concerns about the conflation of peaceful protest with more severe acts like terrorism, as well as public criticism of court decisions, which some argue undermines the independence of the judiciary—a cornerstone of the human rights framework. Further scrutiny arises from Starmer’s public stances and rhetoric, which at times have been seen as aligning with authoritarian tendencies abroad and diminishing domestic protections. Instances of legal maneuvering to sidestep certain obligations have also been noted, raising questions about the consistency of his commitment to the principles he championed as a lawyer. As the international human rights system faces unprecedented challenges, the duality of Starmer’s approach continues to be a focal point of discussion among observers and advocates. This complex record reflects the tension between Starmer’s extensive legal expertise and the political realities of governance. While his background suggests a strong foundation for defending human rights, the actions and policies of his administration over the past year indicate a more cautious or inconsistent application of those principles in practice.