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]

 

Bar Council urges BSB to focus on key regulatory activities

Bar Council concerned about BSB's expanding focus and year-on-year budget increases

  • 17 April 2025
  • Press release

Bar Sustainability Network takes next steps with Achill Legal

The Network will engage more barristers and chambers in the net zero transition and share best practice across the profession.

  • 8 April 2025
  • News

Bar Council supports American Bar Association

The European legal profession has offered collective support to the American Bar Association and colleagues

  • 4 April 2025
  • Press release

Bar Council reacts to BSB regulatory assessment

The BSB needs to focus more on delivering its critical regulatory activities at greater pace

  • 1 April 2025
  • Press release

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

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