June 20, 2022
Simon Spence QC has been interviewed by the East Anglian Daily Times on today’s [20 June] latest ballot results from the CBA confirming that Barristers will begin to take direct action starting on Monday 27 June.
The CBA have concluded through its ballot that barristers feel government have been inconsistent with the terms of the Bellamy review, especially against a backdrop of a hugely increased backlog of cases due to the effect of Covid and chronic under investment in the criminal justice system by successive governments.
The action is intended to last for four weeks, beginning on Monday and Tuesday June 27 and 28, increasing by one day each week with a five-day withdrawal of labour from Monday July 18 to Friday July 22.
Simon says:
“It’s going to cause a lot of disruption over the summer. It’s not something we want to do, it’s not something any of us are keen to do but I’m afraid the government’s lack of engagement has forced us into this position. We have cooperated for years and years, and particularly through Covid to keep the system going, and we’ve reached a stage where we’re having to say, ‘I’m sorry, enough is enough”
Read full piece here: [East Anglian Daily Times]