Criminal Lawyers in England and Wales will begin them first indefinite strike on Monday after government failed meet them demand raise fees for legal aid in subsequent years of cuts.
Before year, criminal the lawyers were just walking out for day and half in 2014 before decision in dispute over legal assistance.
But the strike that started in April gradually escalated as the Ministry of Justice (DOJ) refused to agree to an immediate increase in legal aid fees of 25%, offering only 15%.
Association of Criminal Lawyers says its members real earnings have fallen by 28% since 2006 and that 15% rise will not be felt for years, because it only applies to new cases from the end of September. There remains backlog of about 60,000 cases to be completed.
Kirsty Brymelow QC Chairman of The central bank said: “Government policy on strength on crime as well as supporting sacrifices are meaningless required right investment in criminal lawyers who deliver justice.
“As criminal lawyers start their historical, last resort, uncertain action, it’s not too late for in secretary of state for justice and the Lord Chancellor to change his inheritance.
“Criminal lawyers have stopped on through the downtrodden criminal courts. They stopped looking vulnerable people got into trials in 2024 with clasped hands in prayer for what will be anyone left pursue and protect.
“Is not ‘world-class justice system’ as set out like a vision of Ministry of Justice. it’s not even work justice system”.
justice secretaryDominic Raab blamed the striking lawyers of surrender of the victims down and driving backlog of cases up.
But the Central Bank said that in three months before March 31st criminal lawyers went on strike, 6,734 trials were postponed, including 1,907 declared ineffective, i.e. last minute – highest figure in eight years of official records.
This included more more than 200 cases in which there was neither prosecution nor defense advocate available on the day the trial was due to start, according to the CBA’s analysis.
4827 lawsuits released – in advance – from the court lists was the most in Any quarter for seven years and 1568 more trials were delayed than completed over period, the CBA said.
CB says amazing to prevent complete collapse of in criminal justice system and expressed disappointment that Raab refused to meet to discuss his demands.
Striking lawyers plan to meet on Tuesday on in steps of crown courts in each region of England and Wales.
When there was an indefinite strike announced last month, justice minister Sarah Dines called it “irresponsible decision it will only see more victims face further delays and suffering.”
Ministry of Justice says 15% commission increase add about £7,000 a year for a typical lawyer earnings.
