The Bar Council Public Affairs team actively engages with parliamentarians from all parties, as well as with the government and Opposition, to address a broad spectrum of issues impacting the Bar and the broader justice system. We do this through various parliamentary activities, including contributions to relevant legislation, providing written and oral evidence to committees, and organising meetings and events.
We are currently working on the following Bills :
- Arbitration Bill
- Property (Digital Assets etc) Bill
Campaign to restore funding for justice
Funding for the justice system declined by 22% from 2009/10 to 2022/23. The Bar Council has consistently called for justice to be recognised as a vital public service. This requires the necessary funding to address the record court backlogs, fix the crumbling court estate and ensure people can access the legal advice and representation they need. Only then can we restore public confidence in the justice system.
The new government has set out its 5 missions for government, including: Take back our streets by halving serious violent crime and raising confidence in the police and criminal justice system to its highest levels.
Spending review 2024
We have published detailed research reports and made a strong case for funding and investment in our submission to the multi-year Spending review that will conclude in spring 2025.
Manifesto for justice 2024
Soon after the General Election was called, we finalised our ‘Manifesto for justice 2024’. The manifesto draws on Bar Council research and policy ideas developed through our committees. It sets out an 8-point plan under three themes: a strong, effective and properly funded justice system, access to justice, and upholding the rule of law.
Parliamentary briefings
December
June
May
March
February
January
September
- Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill: briefing summary
- Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill: long briefing
- Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill: briefing on remote juries
June
- Environment Bill: briefing for Peers - committee stage
- Professional Qualifications Bill: briefing for Peers - committee stage
April
December
- Internal Market Bill: briefing for MPs - ping pong
- Covert Human Intelligence Sources (Criminal Conduct): briefing for Peers
November
October
September
- Internal Market Bill: briefing for MPs - report stage
- Internal Market Bill: briefing for MPs - committee stage
- Internal Market Bill: briefing for MPs - second reading
July
June
May
April
- Briefing note: Lord Chancellor's evidence to the Justice Select Committe evidence session
March
- Coronavirus Bill briefing
- Private International Law (Implementation of Agreements) Bill: briefing for Peers
January
- EU (Withdrawal Agreement) Bill: briefing for Peers
- Queen's Speech debate on home affairs, justice, constitutional affairs and devolved affairs: briefing for Peers
Parliamentary inquiries
Bar Council's response to:
House of Lords Public Services Committee
Public Accounts Committee
- Inquiry update on reducing the backlog in criminal court (May)
- Inquiry into the value for money from legal aid (March)
Lords Statutory Inquiries Committee
- Inquiry into Statutory Inquiries (March)
European Scrutiny Committee
House of Lords International Agreements Committee
Bar Council’s response to:
Home Affairs Committee
- Inquiry into fraud (October)
Lords International Agreements Committee
Joint Committee on Human Rights
Lords Justice and Home Affairs Committee
Public Accounts Committee
Culture, Media and Sport Committee
Bar Council’ s response to:
Lords European Affairs Committee
Lords Fraud Act 2006 and Digital Fraud Committee
Lords Constitution Committee
Justice Committee
Bar Council’s response to:
Public Accounts Committee
- Inquiry into reducing the backlog in the criminal courts (December)
- Inquiry of MoJ recall: Covid-19 impact on courts and prisons (February)
Justice Committee
Health and Social Care Committee
- Inquiry into NHS litigation reform (October)
Lords Justice and Home Affairs Committee
Women and Equalities Committee
- Inquiry into menopause and the workplace (September)
Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee
Lords International Agreements Committee
Lords EU Services Sub-Committee
Consultation responses
We provide evidence-based responses to Government and other consultations. Read our latest consultation responses.
Our Brussels office
We have an active office in Brussels, which seeks to influence EU law and policy developments that may impact on law and legal practice in England and Wales. Find out more about our Brussels office.
Public affairs
For further information and public affairs enquiries, email us at [email protected].