. @thebarcouncil “There can be no substitute for open and efficient justice through a live trial in one physical space with jurors, barristers, a judge, witnesses and defendants all able to engage fully and solemnly with the full range of verbal, non-verbal and visual cues”

“Remote hearings involving screen-only access strikes at the heart of the right to fair trial under Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which is put into play if defendants do not understand the court process or are not actively engaged.”

“There are far too many opportunities for outside influences to exist, which would be completely unknown to the judge and may in certain circumstances leave individual jurors highly vulnerable and open to, at best influence and at worst intimidation and or manipulation.”

“We are looking at simple, basic, achievable objectives so that when a juror comes in that door they feel the building is safe so they can discharge their duty as a juror”

“we are all part of the wider jigsaw and play our parts in the operation of society. Doctors and nurses are on the front line, but shoring up society is the justice system, in which we play a vital role.”