Barristers picketed courts in Manchester again as strike action continues for a fourth week, with lawyers arguing the system is 'failing the public'. Criminal defence lawyers will walk out every day this week as their protest over legal aid fees escalates.
Legal aid is the public fund which pays lawyers to represent people who are unable to afford legal representation themselves. The Criminal Bar Association (CBA), which represents barristers, have asked for an immediate increase of 25 per cent to legal aid fees.
The Government has offered a 15 per cent rise. The continuation of industrial action comes as the impasse between the Government and the CBA shows no sign of ending.
