Press releases
Find all the latest major announcements, breaking news, press releases and commentary from the Bar Council on issues affecting the barristers' profession, justice and the rule of law.
The purpose of the Bar Council's press releases are to represent and promote the Bar nationally as well as globally, bring its voice to the public domain and defend the rule of law.
For more information about any press release, call the External Relations & Communications team on 020 7092 8175.
Bar Council reaction to the King’s Speech
Bar Council reaction to the King’s Speech, welcoming the new Government's commitment to tackling Crown Court backlogs
Bar Council responds to 2024 judicial diversity statistics
The Judicial Diversity Forum says there is more work to be done
Chair of the Bar welcomes appointment of Richard Hermer KC as Attorney General
The Matrix Chambers public law barrister was appointed by the Prime Minister
We will work with new Lord Chancellor to rebuild the justice system - Bar Council Chair
Shabana Mahmood MP has been appointed by the Prime Minister
Bar Council reacts to UK ratification of Hague Convention 2019
Ratification of Hague Convention 2019 is good news for the UK, EU and international signatories.
Managing people and behaviours at the Bar – Bar Council launches new event series
The four-part series is designed to support chambers with effective people management and workplace culture
Employed Bar Awards shortlist announced with new award added
Employed barristers from the BBC, the CPS, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, APPEAL and many more are among this year’s nominees.
The global social and economic impact of the legal profession - Bar Council comment
The International Bar Association's new report could not have come at a better time, to highlight the important role of the legal profession and the Rule of Law.
Harriet Harman KC to lead independent review of bullying and harassment at the Bar
The Bar Council commissioned the review following a report into the extent of bullying and harassment
“Public confidence in justice is shot” – Bar Chair sets out prescription for remedy in speech to Bar Conference
Sam Townend KC delivered the opening speech of Bar Conference 2024 in London
Justice delayed and denied – Bar Council calls for urgent action in election manifesto
The 'Manifesto for justice 2024' calls for justice to be seen as a vital public service
Bar Council calls for review of whole criminal justice system through Royal Commission
A wholesale policy refresh and investment in the whole justice system is needed now, the Bar Council says in its submission to the Public Accounts Committee's inquiry.
Crown Court backlog report highlights criminal justice system at point of structural failure
Reducing the Crown Court backlog of 67,573 to 53,000 by March 2025 can no longer be achieved, according to a new report by the watchdog.
Government must take responsibility for prison crisis and invest in criminal justice system, Bar Chair says
The Ministry of Justice is wrongly blaming the prison population crisis on the barristers’ strike.
Kirsty Brimelow KC elected as Bar Council Vice Chair for 2025
The criminal and international human rights practitioner will join the officer team on 1 January 2025