Barristers in Northern Ireland have ended a six-month strike over pay, returning to full service after 66% of the Criminal Bar Association (CBA) members voted to resume work on June 18, 2026. The industrial action, which began in response to what the CBA described as a "deepening access to justice crisis," significantly delayed nearly 2,500 court cases.
The strike was initiated due to concerns over pay, with the chair of the Bar Council of Northern Ireland, Donal Lunny KC, stating that legal aid fees for Crown Court cases had not increased in two decades. In response to the review of criminal legal aid, Justice Minister Naomi Long agreed at the beginning of June to implement recommendations, including an 8.66% increase in all criminal legal aid fees.
The CBA emphasized that the withdrawal of services was a last resort, aimed at finding a resolution to allow barristers to return to work in all Crown Court cases. The association welcomed the progress made, which enabled the resumption of full service, and expressed commitment to working with criminal justice partners to address the backlog of cases impacted by the strike.
Justice Minister Naomi Long acknowledged the effect on victims and witnesses, stating they would remain the focus as the system works to recover. Recovery plans, prioritized by the Lady Chief Justice, aim to address cases involving the most vulnerable and those ready to proceed, to ensure timely justice for those who have experienced lengthy waits. The Department of Justice characterized the end of the strike as a "positive development" and expressed hope for a full return to services by all members.