Press releases and news

Find all the latest major announcements, breaking news, press releases and commentary from the Bar Council on issues affecting the barristers' profession, justice and the rule of law.

The purpose of the Bar Council's press releases are to represent and promote the Bar nationally as well as globally, bring its voice to the public domain and defend the rule of law. 

For more information about any press release or news item, call contact Press Office on 020 7092 8175 or email [email protected]

 

Race Panel co-chairs win diversity champion award

Laurie-Anne Power KC and Simon Regis CBE were recognised at the Legal 500 ESG Awards 2025

  • 26 March 2025
  • News

First proposed increase to civil legal aid in 30 years welcome, but much more needed to rebuild the sector

The Bar Council's consultation highlights that the proposed increase falls far behind inflation and more will be needed.                                                             

  • 21 March 2025
  • Press release

Bar Council Chair urges barristers to report inappropriate behaviours

The call follows a cluster of tribunal findings of inappropriate behaviour of a sexual nature

  • 19 March 2025
  • Press release

Tackling violence against women: Kim Johnson MP joins Bar Council to hear about the role of the courts

The Bar Council highlighted that the family courts are an integral part of the solution to tackle violence against women and girls at a roundtable discussion.

  • 14 March 2025
  • Press release

Private prosecution safeguards needed to ensure power to prosecute not abused, Bar Council says

Welcoming the government consultation into private prosecutions and the Single Justice Procedure, the Bar Council said both have led to miscarriages of justice and shaken public confidence in the criminal justice system.

  • 6 March 2025
  • Press release

Sitting days increase positive step in long list of measures needed to restore criminal justice

The Bar Council welcomes the increase but says that if we are to reduce the delays and impact on victims, witnesses, and defendants, there should be no limit on sitting days.

  • 5 March 2025
  • Press release

New Arbitration Act will strengthen UK’s leading position

Arbitration is worth billions to the British economy, says Bar Chair

  • 24 February 2025
  • Press release

Bar Council response to increase to rates for counsel undertaking work for central government

The rates for the Attorney General’s civil panel counsel have been increased for the first time in more than 20 years.

  • 21 February 2025
  • Press release

Politicians should protect the independence of the judiciary, says Chair of the Bar

Barbara Mills KC issues comment in support of the Lady Chief Justice

  • 19 February 2025
  • Press release

The cab rank rule is the profession's cornerstone, Bar Council says

Bar Chair Barbara Mills KC has reiterated that it is always wrong to associate lawyers with their clients.

  • 19 February 2025
  • Press release

Sentencing review: no more quick wins - invest to tackle crime long term

Part 1 of the sentencing review report echoes the Bar Council's concerns about how we got here and the scale of the problem - it's clear radical thinking is required.

  • 18 February 2025
  • Press release

Investment in probation step in the right direction, Bar Council says

The Bar Council said the announcement recognises that we need a properly resourced regime that reduces crime and increases public confidence and safety in our justice system.

  • 13 February 2025
  • Press release

Bar Council supports IBA call for all states to oppose US sanctions against the ICC

The International Bar Association has denounced the sanctions

  • 10 February 2025
  • Press release

Juryless trials ‘not the answer’ to court crisis, barristers warn

The Bar Council has objected to the introduction of intermediate courts and made alternative recommendations, including a new model for diversion, in its submission to the Leveson review of criminal justice.

  • 6 February 2025
  • Press release

Family Pathfinder court expansion welcome

The MoJ has announced Pathfinder courts will be extended across Wales and West Yorkshire

  • 3 February 2025
  • Press release

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