Criminal barristers in Northern Ireland to strike indefinitely over justice system

Criminal barristers in Northern Ireland are starting an indefinite withdrawal from legally aided Crown Court cases from Monday, citing urgent concerns about Crown Court fee rates; the Justice Minister has announced a proposed 16% fee increase and the next steps remain undetermined at this time.

Criminal barristers in Northern Ireland have announced an indefinite withdrawal from legally aided Crown Court work starting on Monday. They say the action is intended to press the Department of Justice to address Crown Court fee rates, which the Bar describes as long overdue for reform. The Bar Council chair Donal Lunny KC said members will not resume that work until the department shows pragmatism and urgency on fees. The Justice Minister Naomi Long has proposed a 16% increase but the dispute remains unresolved. Known details: - The Criminal Bar Association vote on the proposal was backed by 89% of 193 members who voted. - The withdrawal applies to legally aided Crown Court cases and is being expanded from Monday into an indefinite action. - The Bar says legal aid fees for criminal work have not increased since 2005 and are now about half their original value. - The Justice Minister has announced a 16% fee increase proposal and officials report disagreements about mediation and next steps. Summary: The action is reported to remove barrister participation in legally aided Crown Court cases and is likely to affect court timetables and involved parties. Officials remain at odds over the route to resolve fees and mediation; the next procedural steps have not been agreed. Undetermined at this time.