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]
Barristers call for radical rethink on ‘tough’ sentencing
Bar Council's submission to the Gauke review on sentencing sets out new ideas
Bar Chair calls for rollout of ‘problem-solving’ courts to tackle violence against women and girls
Barbara Mills KC made the call on a visit to the Cardiff Civil Justice Centre
New Bar Chair Barbara Mills KC highlights family law, wellbeing, inclusion, and resourcing for justice in inaugural address
Barbara Mills KC delivered her inaugural speech at Inner Temple Hall
Criminal legal aid increase for solicitors: Bar Council reaction
The government has announced additional funding for criminal legal aid solicitors
Increasing court sitting days is the right decision
The government has announced an extra 2,000 sitting days
Bar Council reacts to Leveson review of criminal courts and latest court statistics
The figures out today show the perilous state of the criminal justice system. To address the multitude of challenges, we need new solutions and additional funding.
Bar Council response to serious misconduct findings against Jo Sidhu KC
The tribunal delivered its findings on 9 December
Race at the Bar: time to double down on race equality work
Our new race at the Bar report reveals there has been some progress on access, retention, progression and culture. But there is much more work to do.
General Council of the Bar 2025/26 practising certificate fees and budget consultation
The General Council of the Bar has published the 2025/26 practising certificate fees and budget for consultation
First civil legal aid increase since 1996 long overdue
The Bar Council has welcomed the proposed additional £20 million a year for legal aid in housing and immigration
BSB Equality Rules amendments proposals are the wrong approach, warns the Bar Council
The Bar Council has published its proposed response to the Bar Standards Board’s proposed amendments to the equality rules forming part of barristers’ conduct obligations.
Independent report supports call for immediate uplift in criminal legal aid fees
The Bar Council is repeating calls for an immediate 15% uplift in criminal legal aid fees for barristers, following the publication of the first Criminal Legal Aid Advisory Board report.
Budget: Welcome step for justice but still a way to go
The Bar Council has welcomed the overall settlement for justice in today’s Budget
Bar Council comments on Sentencing Review announcement
Bar Council welcomes the sentencing review announced today
Employed Bar Awards 2024 winners announced including first Lifetime Achievement Award
The Employed Bar Awards celebrated the quality and range of work by the employed Bar with the first ever Lifetime Achievement Award being given.