Criminal Bar Association industrial action in Ireland

Whereas the Haldane Society of Socialist Lawyers does not accept the territorial claim by the government of the United Kingdom to exercise jurisdiction over that part of the island of Ireland known as ‘Northern Ireland.’

Whereas Haldane calls for the unionisation of the legal sector and for all members of the legal profession in the United Kingdom to join a trade union to represent their interests and the interests of the administration of justice.

Whereas Haldane stands in solidarity with the victims of crime under the present conditions of capitalist exploitation in the United Kingdom.

Haldane stands in solidarity with the Criminal Bar Association (of ‘Northern Ireland’) in its withdrawal of Crown Court services between 6 and 31 January 2025.

Legal aid is a fundamental pillar of the administration of justice in the United Kingdom and should be seen as an indispensable pillar of the welfare state.

Criminal legal aid ensures access to justice to defendants, especially those whose liberty is at stake.

Legal aid rates for criminal defence work in ‘Northern Ireland’ were set 20 years ago and have since fallen to half their original value with inflation.

Haldane calls upon the Justice Minister of ‘Northern Ireland’ to meet the reasonable demands of the CBA and to immediately resolve the industrial dispute in the interests of justice.