Criminal barristers begin strike in row over legal aid fees

The CBA says the offer of a 15% uplift in fees is insufficient and is calling for a 25% rise to make up for years of funding cuts

Criminal barristers in England and Wales are to begin a strike over legal aid fees on Monday, as they warn the profession is facing an existential crisis" because of inadequate funding.

The Criminal Bar Association (CBA) said the offer of a 15% uplift in fees, which was the minimum increase recommended by the criminal legal aid review (Clar), is insufficient after swingeing cuts - and will not apply to the backlog of 58,000 cases in crown courts.