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]
Barristers report "endemic" delays to trials caused by late delivery of prisoners
Research based on reports from barristers has shown the ‘endemic’ and ‘routine’ nature of delays caused by the late delivery of prisoners to court, casting doubt over the validity of official data.
Consultation on increase in criminal legal aid “another step in the right direction” – Bar Council
The Bar Council has said it will respond to the consultation in detail, setting out those targeted measures which are necessary and those which are misdirected.
UK–Switzerland trade agreement includes new provisions for legal services
British lawyers and other service providers are set to benefit from the deal
No justification for axing judges from immigration tribunals
The Bar Council is urging MPs to reconsider plans as the immigration bill goes to second reading
Bar welcomes independent review's call for LSB to re-focus
Richard Lloyd has published the Independent Public Bodies Review of the Legal Services Board
Judicial diversity progress has stalled for Black lawyers
The annual report also finds disparities in relation to social mobility
New agreement signed between Bar Council’s Commissioner for Conduct and senior judiciary in next step to tackle bullying and harassment
Under the agreement, the Commissioner can deal with informal complaints about judges on behalf of barristers
Bar Council recommends increasing the minimum age of criminal responsibility
A change to the age threshold will lead to better outcomes for children and society.
New court stats cast serious doubts over plans to cut jury trials – Bar Council
The Bar Council is highlighting new official court backlog figures which show the backlog of cases in the Crown Court has reduced slightly while the open caseload in the magistrates’ court has increased to an unprecedented high.
Ethics culture remains strong at the Bar
The latest Bar Council survey of barristers shows that more than 8 out of 10 respondents report a very good understanding of the profession's code of conduct and ethical obligations.
Bar Council Chair returns to her Chorley primary school to teach vital oracy skills with Speak for Success
The Chair of the Bar Council taught children how to disagree agreeably as she returned to her former primary school.
The Bar Council and the Bar Standards Board agree protocol for handling reports of bullying, harassment and sexual harassment
The new protocol sets out how the Bar Council and the Bar Standards Board will work together to support people experiencing bullying, harassment and sexual harassment at the Bar.
Bar Council urges government to listen to Courts and Tribunals Bill concerns in critical new report
The Bar Council has called on the government to listen to the Justice Committee's concerns set out in its new report on the Courts and Tribunals Bill.
Bar leaders welcome government consultation on the rights of unmarried couples
Bar leaders have welcomed a government consultation on the rights of unmarried couples.
New Judicial and Legal Diversity Board must address slow progress
The new board, co-chaired by the Lady Chief Justice and Lord Chancellor, has met for the first time