A number of high profile court cases have been impacted by the criminal barristers withdrawing some services in a long-running dispute over fees for legal aid cases. The escalated action has effectively halted crown court cases involving those who require legal aid. Ms Long told the Northern Ireland Assembly’s Justice Committee that she does not accept the withdrawal of service is “either ethical or meets the barrister’s own code of conduct”. Ms Long also said the impact of the court delays due to the action on victims and witnesses “cannot be overstated”. Ms Long went on: “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.

Source: The Herald February 05, 2026 17:48 UTC