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Thousands of criminal barristers are refusing new work following cuts to the Advocates’ Graduated Fee Scheme (AGFS).
In a poll of its members, the Criminal Bar Association (CBA) reported that 90% of the 2,317 who voted were in favour of the protest, including refusing to take new cases from 1 April, when the revised AGFS regime came into force, and ‘days of action’.
Announcing the decision with a ‘heavy heart’, CBA Chair, Angela Rafferty QC said: ‘The criminal justice system is collapsing.’ Quoting the late Sir Henry Brooke, she said: ‘This is not about money for lawyers. It is the liberties of England that are at risk.’
‘This is far wider than any scheme relating to fees. The new AGFS was the final straw that exposed the chronic impoverishment of a once great system,’ she added.
The Bar Council and the Law Society came out in support of the CBA. In a joint statement the Bar Chair, Andrew Walker QC and Vice Chair, Richard Atkins QC said: ‘We stand by the CBA and the criminal Bar in striving for the proper funding of the criminal justice system.’
They added: ‘We stand by them, too, in seeking to secure a future for the criminal Bar, whose dedication and commitment are essential to ensure that we can deliver justice fairly and efficiently.’
More than 80 chambers are taking part and two defendants charged with murder have already been left unrepresented.
A week into the protest, Rafferty suggested it could be prolonged. In her weekly email to members, she said: ‘We must have strength and work together to get through the next months and to hold firm.’
Rafferty thanked solicitors who have supported the Bar. ‘They too are completely undervalued, mistreated and underfunded,’ she said.
The Ministry of Justice said: ‘We are extremely disappointed with the position the Criminal Bar Association has taken.’ While, in an interview with The Sun on Sunday, Justice Secretary, David Gauke said he was determined to fix the shattered justice system.
Meanwhile, a survey of more than 4,000 barristers carried out by the Bar Council found that over a third of criminal barristers had considered leaving the profession.
Thousands of criminal barristers are refusing new work following cuts to the Advocates’ Graduated Fee Scheme (AGFS).
In a poll of its members, the Criminal Bar Association (CBA) reported that 90% of the 2,317 who voted were in favour of the protest, including refusing to take new cases from 1 April, when the revised AGFS regime came into force, and ‘days of action’.
Announcing the decision with a ‘heavy heart’, CBA Chair, Angela Rafferty QC said: ‘The criminal justice system is collapsing.’ Quoting the late Sir Henry Brooke, she said: ‘This is not about money for lawyers. It is the liberties of England that are at risk.’
‘This is far wider than any scheme relating to fees. The new AGFS was the final straw that exposed the chronic impoverishment of a once great system,’ she added.
The Bar Council and the Law Society came out in support of the CBA. In a joint statement the Bar Chair, Andrew Walker QC and Vice Chair, Richard Atkins QC said: ‘We stand by the CBA and the criminal Bar in striving for the proper funding of the criminal justice system.’
They added: ‘We stand by them, too, in seeking to secure a future for the criminal Bar, whose dedication and commitment are essential to ensure that we can deliver justice fairly and efficiently.’
More than 80 chambers are taking part and two defendants charged with murder have already been left unrepresented.
A week into the protest, Rafferty suggested it could be prolonged. In her weekly email to members, she said: ‘We must have strength and work together to get through the next months and to hold firm.’
Rafferty thanked solicitors who have supported the Bar. ‘They too are completely undervalued, mistreated and underfunded,’ she said.
The Ministry of Justice said: ‘We are extremely disappointed with the position the Criminal Bar Association has taken.’ While, in an interview with The Sun on Sunday, Justice Secretary, David Gauke said he was determined to fix the shattered justice system.
Meanwhile, a survey of more than 4,000 barristers carried out by the Bar Council found that over a third of criminal barristers had considered leaving the profession.
Far-ranging month for the Chair of the Bar
Endometriosis Awareness North, a charity raising awareness of endometriosis and supporting those affected across the North of England, has received a £500 boost from AlphaBiolabs via the company’s Giving Back initiative
Marie Law, Director of Toxicology at AlphaBiolabs, examines the most recent data on alcohol misuse in the UK, and the implications for alcohol testing in family proceedings
Clement Cowley, Partner at The Penny Group, explains how tailored financial planning can help barristers take control of their finances and plan with confidence
Marie Law, Director of Toxicology at AlphaBiolabs
A £500 donation from AlphaBiolabs has been made to the leading UK charity tackling international parental child abduction and the movement of children across international borders
Seeing the full picture – Baljit Ubhey OBE outlines the CPS action plan to tackle violence against women and girls, offering insights directly relevant to courtroom practice
Heritage as an anchor and a compass, finding our common humanity and embracing the power of the outsider – Melina Antoniadis’s lessons learnt
Is the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office process fit for purpose? Women barristers’ experiences of bullying are not being reported or, if they are, they are not making it through the system, says Tana Adkin KC
Review by Daniel Barnett
Chair of the Bar reports back
