Responding to the King’s Speech, Chair of the Bar Council Sam Townend KC said:
“We welcome the new Government’s commitment to tackle the Crown Court backlogs. What victims, defendants including those ultimately found innocent, and the public most need is timely, efficient justice. That is what will do most to restore victims’ confidence in the justice system, which has been undermined by the huge court backlogs and delays.
“The measures in the Victims, Courts and Public Protection Bill must work hand in glove with the Crime and Policing Bill. Any measures to introduce new powers for the police, new offences or sentences must be backed by proper resources for the administration of justice after charge. Otherwise, it is just more unsustainable pressure on a system that is already on the verge of collapse due to historic underinvestment.
“On wider justice measures, we are pleased to see the Government intends to bring back the Arbitration Bill. This important reform will help to ensure London maintains its deserved reputation as the foremost centre for international arbitration, supporting our legal profession, and is an important contribution to the country’s income from exports. The hard currency and soft power value to the country of the legal services sector, the most liberal and open in the world, and already constituting 10% of the global legal economy, should not be understated.”