‘Jewish kids in the provinces’ Hermer reflects on shared values with Wolfson

Attorney General Richard Hermer KC has heaped praise on his Conservative opponent Lord Wolfson, highlighting how their shared experiences as “Jewish kids in the provinces” have shaped their views on the world.

The government’s most senior law officer was the guest speaker at an event hosted by the UK Association of Jewish Lawyers and Jurists, where he was questioned by Joshua Rozenberg about his relationship with the Shadow Attorney General.

Hermer said: “David is a really good guy, who I personally really like. We share many views about the world we live in and many of the same values.

“Undoubtedly, that is informed by our similarities—growing up as Jewish kids in the provinces.”

The two barristers both have family roots in south Wales and grew up in provincial Jewish households, Hermer in Cardiff and Wolfson in Liverpool.

Having known each other for over 30 years, Hermer told Tuesday’s event: “One of the first people I dined with after being made a Lord was David [Wolfson].”

In a recent article for Jewish News, journalist Josh Glancy wrote: “Alyth synagogue, where Hermer is a member, is barely a mile from Hampstead Garden Suburb synagogue, known as ‘Norrice Lea,’ where Wolfson says his shema.”

But the pair have been involved in a series of political clashes under Keir Starmer’s government, including over interpretations of the rule of law.

Asked by Rozenberg about rampant antisemitic content on social media, Hermer said: “False information is one of the major problems of our age.

“Social media is playing a major role in dividing people in this country and across the world. It is a huge challenge for societies.”

The human rights KC also defended Keir Starmer and the government’s stance in tackling anti-Jewish hate.

Hermer referenced his friend the Prime Minister’s “radical overhaul” of the Labour Party and his pledge to root out antisemitism, before adding: “The only way to defeat Jew-hate is through a wider struggle against prejudice.”

He also asked the audience to note: “In his limited time off, the Prime Minister and his wife, Victoria, have taken their children to Poland to learn more about their Jewish family roots there.”