These are very worrying times for the vast majority of the Bar. People face severe financial stresses. Trials not happening in the Crown Court is devastating for the criminal bar. It also is for solicitors who rely on the litigator fees to offset the ridiculously low fees

available for magistrate and police station attendances. These are both businesses and a public service. The Government need to ensure survival of a functioning criminal justice system.

Every employee of the CPS is currently and rightly protected. The CPS have done something to assist prosecuting counsel. The defence community need bespoke assistance and need it now.

I know there are a lot of demands right now but the MoJ need to be hammering on the door of Number 11 and getting help out there now.

Too many vital criminal justice players will fall through the gaps of current schemes for businesses.