Barrister strike 'caused additional trauma' to victims as 2,500 cases delayed

The recent barrister strike in Northern Ireland has sparked significant concern over its impact on victims and witnesses, with reports indicating that over 2,500 cases were delayed due to the legal professionals’ industrial action. The prolonged disruption has reportedly caused additional psychological distress, forcing many individuals to endure repeated cycles of emotional turmoil. According to Nichola Green, deputy chief executive of Victim Support Northern Ireland, the delay in trials has led to a sense of being trapped in a loop, where victims are compelled to revisit traumatic experiences multiple times. This has resulted in sleepless nights, heightened anxiety, panic attacks, and even difficulties in concentration among those affected. Some victims have described the situation as deeply unsettling, requiring them to make substantial personal sacrifices such as taking time off work, arranging childcare, and preparing themselves emotionally for court appearances—often after months of mental preparation.

The strike, which lasted several months, was primarily driven by demands for fair pay, as highlighted by Donal Lunny KC, chair of the Bar Council of Northern Ireland. He pointed out that Crown Court legal aid fees had remained unchanged for two decades, creating unsustainable financial conditions for legal professionals. In response, Justice Minister Naomi Long approved a recommendation from a review of criminal legal aid, which included an 8.66% increase in all criminal legal aid fees. This decision came after extensive discussions between the government and legal representatives, culminating in a vote held on 18 June 2026, where 66% of members of the Criminal Bar Association chose to return to full service. The Criminal Bar Association (CBA) stated that the strike was a last resort aimed at addressing a growing crisis within the criminal justice system, emphasizing their commitment to resolving the issue collaboratively and ensuring that all barristers could resume their duties.

Despite the resolution of the strike, concerns remain about the lasting effects on victims and the broader implications for the justice system. The CBA expressed appreciation for the efforts that enabled the resumption of services and pledged to collaborate with justice partners to expedite the processing of delayed cases. Justice Minister Naomi Long acknowledged the importance of focusing on those most affected, particularly the vulnerable, and emphasized the need to prioritize cases that have been pending for extended periods. She also noted that recovery plans developed by the Lady Chief Justice aim to address these issues systematically.

The Department of Justice has welcomed the conclusion of the strike, describing it as a positive development and expressing hope that it will lead to a complete restoration of services. However, critics argue that the emotional toll on victims should not be overlooked. Maggie Oliver, a representative from the New Statesman, warned that the unresolved backlog of cases could continue to retraumatize victims, highlighting the urgent need for systemic improvements to prevent similar disruptions in the future. As the legal community works to restore normalcy, the focus remains on ensuring that victims receive the support and timely justice they deserve.