Press releases and news
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 or news item, call contact Press Office on 020 7092 8175 or email [email protected]
New court stats cast serious doubts over plans to cut jury trials – Bar Council
The Bar Council is highlighting new official court backlog figures which show the backlog of cases in the Crown Court has reduced slightly while the open caseload in the magistrates’ court has increased to an unprecedented high.
Ethics culture remains strong at the Bar
The latest Bar Council survey of barristers shows that more than 8 out of 10 respondents report a very good understanding of the profession's code of conduct and ethical obligations.
Bar Council Chair returns to her Chorley primary school to teach vital oracy skills with Speak for Success
The Chair of the Bar Council taught children how to disagree agreeably as she returned to her former primary school.
The Bar Council and the Bar Standards Board agree protocol for handling reports of bullying, harassment and sexual harassment
The new protocol sets out how the Bar Council and the Bar Standards Board will work together to support people experiencing bullying, harassment and sexual harassment at the Bar.
Bar Council urges government to listen to Courts and Tribunals Bill concerns in critical new report
The Bar Council has called on the government to listen to the Justice Committee's concerns set out in its new report on the Courts and Tribunals Bill.
Bar leaders welcome government consultation on the rights of unmarried couples
Bar leaders have welcomed a government consultation on the rights of unmarried couples.
New Judicial and Legal Diversity Board must address slow progress
The new board, co-chaired by the Lady Chief Justice and Lord Chancellor, has met for the first time
Bar Council welcomes the Bar Standards Board’s AI guidance
The Bar Council has welcomed the publication of the Bar Standards Board’s (BSB) guidance on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other technologies.
Youth justice needs a shift from criminalisation
The Bar Council has responded to the government's new Youth Justice White Paper, which proposes a range of measures to stop young people falling into crime.
Bar Council reaction to the King’s speech 2026
Bar Council reaction to draft legislation announced in the King's speech including the Courts and Tribunals Bill, Immigration and Asylum Bill, and the European Partnership Bill.
Bar Council statement on contempt of court
Judge instigated contempt proceedings risk a chilling effect on the profession.
Time to ratify the safety convention, says Bar Council
The Bar Council is calling on the UK Government to ratify the Council of Europe’s Convention on the Protection of the Profession of Lawyer.
Bar questions 5-month delay in delivering £34m criminal legal aid injection
In early December, the government said it would address the shortage of criminal barristers by giving publicly funded barristers an additional investment in criminal legal aid fees of up to £34 million yet no progress has been made.
Statement on the 10,000 Black Interns programme
An update from the Bar Council in light of media coverage
Kent courts are ‘going in the right direction’ despite doubled backlog
Kent’s Crown Courts are ‘going in the right direction’ despite its backlog more than doubling in 10 years, the Leader of the South Eastern Circuit has said.