Stormont Justice Minister Naomi Long has issued a direct appeal to criminal barristers engaged in strike action, stating they must "meet her halfway" to resolve the protracted dispute over legal aid fees. The minister's remarks come as the escalated industrial action effectively brings crown court cases involving legally aided defendants to a standstill, impacting numerous high-profile proceedings.
Ethical Concerns and Systemic Pressures
Addressing the Northern Ireland Assembly's Justice Committee, Minister Long expressed strong disapproval of the barristers' withdrawal of services. She asserted that this action is neither ethical nor compliant with the profession's own code of conduct. "The withdrawal of service from existing cases is not permissible under the bar's code of conduct, and yet that is what is happening," Long stated emphatically.
The minister highlighted severe financial constraints facing her department, revealing projected stabilisation pressures for day-to-day running costs. These are estimated at £101 million for the 2026-27 financial year, escalating to £141 million in 2027-28 and reaching £215 million by 2028-29. Long described this outlook as "catastrophic for the justice system," adding, "It is difficult to see how my department will manage to live within budget."
Impact on Victims and Trust Deficit
Long emphasised that the consequences of court delays for victims and witnesses "cannot be overstated." Committee chair Paul Frew noted that trust in the justice system is at a "very low ebb," particularly among families affected by postponed cases, including the relatives of murder victim Chloe Mitchell. The minister confirmed she will meet the Mitchell family in the coming days.
"I've met with many victims and witnesses," Long told MLAs. "Their pain and their grief and their trauma is being leveraged in order to try to extract more financial benefits for barristers from the department."
Negotiation Efforts and Rejected Proposals
Despite the impasse, Minister Long affirmed her determination to make progress, revealing that officials were meeting with Bar Council representatives on the afternoon of her committee appearance. She expressed disappointment that the Criminal Bar Association had rejected what she described as an "eminently sensible and reasonable" proposal.
"If the argument has been that there is a lack of trust, then I'm willing to work to restore that trust, but that requires them to meet me halfway," Long declared. She added that investing further resources without assurance of full service resumption was something she "simply couldn't countenance."
The minister acknowledged the action "gives rise to additional costs" and increases pressures on an already strained system. While hopeful for a positive outcome, she noted she cannot account for "internal dynamics within the CBA and the committee," describing that as work the association must undertake itself.
Long assured committee members that intensive work is proceeding at pace, stating, "This is a priority for me." The situation remains fluid as negotiations continue against a backdrop of mounting financial pressures and profound consequences for Northern Ireland's justice system.
