Barristers to end strike over criminal legal aid (opens original article in a new tab)

Criminal barristers in Northern Ireland are ending their strike over legal aid fees after reaching an agreement, with 65% of members voting to return to full service.

• Criminal barristers in Northern Ireland will return to covering legally aided Crown Court cases after reaching an agreement on fees.
• The Criminal Bar Association (CBA) reported that 65% of its members voted to return to full service following a dispute over legal aid fees.
• The CBA stated that they engaged fully in the review of criminal legal aid and provided evidence to show that fees needed to be increased to preserve the viability of the service.