Barrister strike 'caused additional trauma' to victims as 2,500 cases delayed

Fuck the BBC’s impartial framing. Lawyers may often be scumbags at times but they have the right to strike over pay as much as any other worker.

The barristers’ strike was over pay - the chair of the Bar Council of Northern Ireland, Donal Lunny KC, said Crown Court legal aid fees had not risen in 20 years.

Justice Minister Naomi Long agreed at the start of June to accept recommendations made in a review of criminal legal aid, including an additional 8.66% increase to all criminal legal aid fees.

In a vote taken on 18 June 2026, 66% of the members of the Criminal Bar Association voted to return to full service.

In a statement the CBA said: “The escalated withdrawal of services was taken by the CBA as a last resort and in response to a deepening access to justice crisis throughout the criminal justice system.

No BBC, I’m not going to be angry at workers striking over pay.