To ask the Minister of Justice to detail (i) any assessment been made of the impact of recent disruption to barrister availability on the progression of criminal cases; (ii) whether this has contributed to delays at both pre-conviction and post-conviction stages of the justice process; and (iii) any impact these delays have had on the prison population, including (a) individuals held on remand; and (b) those awaiting sentencing or transfer following conviction.

The Criminal Bar Association service withdrawal has had a significant impact and affected criminal cases at all stages. Management data indicates that, as of Friday 29 May 2026, 2121 cases, that is, 352 trials; 1316 arraignments; and 453 plea and sentencing hearings have been affected since the escalated withdrawal began on 5 January. Whilst it is not possible to determine the extent of the impact terms of the prisoner numbers, it is likely that there are individuals on remand and awaiting sentence who may otherwise have been released from prison. It is in their interest and the interests of the victims and witnesses affected that I have committed all possible resources, including commissioning an additional Accelerated Review of Criminal Legal Aid Fees, to end the unwarranted and unnecessary withdrawal. I hope it will result in a full return to service as there is no reason why the CBA, as with their solicitor colleagues, could not have continued to deliver services to their clients while efforts to address their concerns were ongoing.