Should Starmer be worried about the rail strikes?
Spectator (UK)Dec 30, 2021
The Facts
Eight in ten cases at London's Old Bailey [The Central Criminal Court of England and Wales] were put on hold on Mon., as barristers in England and Wales staged a mass walk-out over pay and conditions, exacerbating a severe backlog in crown courts.
The Criminal Bar Association (CBA) - the group representing the interests of the criminal bar - has argued that minimum legal aid fees must be introduced by at least 25%, while a criminal legal aid review (Clar) recommended a rise of 15% in Dec. The proposition has been rejected and barristers are now striking over the dispute.
The Spin
Right narrative
At least 400 cases, including vital trials of an alleged neo-Nazi and suspected sex offender, have been put on hold by this unnecessary strike. CBA members have already rejected a 15% increase in legal aid fees, which would equate to around £7K more per barrister, and now victims are having to wait even longer for justice.
Left narrative
The justice system is at its knees - the poor pay and conditions are making barristers impossible to recruit and now there aren't even enough to ensure all cases can get to trial. The strikes are a last resort to force the government to make the reforms needed to protect the legal system.
