Criminal barristers from the Criminal Bar Association (CBA), which represents barristers in England and Wales, outside Leeds Combined Court
THE “destruction” of the criminal justice system must be treated as a “national emergency,” striking criminal barristers said today.
Hundreds of lawyers walked out across England and Wales in a dispute over legal aid funding, amid anger at the government’s 15 per cent pay offer, which the Criminal Bar Association (CBA) said would not take effect until late 2023.
By then, the uplift will have been cancelled out by rising inflation and failed to prevent an exodus of junior barristers, who are paid just £12,200 a year after expenses — less than minimum wage — the association said.
With the agitated debate now raging in the media about the early release schemes, Prison Officers Association general secretary STEVE GILLAN gives the view of those who work in the sector
Megapicket to shut down Birmingham’s refuse sites
The government’s case for abolishing most jury trials doesn’t stand up to scrutiny, argues KIM JOHNSON MP – and it must be stopped before it does lasting damage to democracy