Barristers in England and Wales have voted for an all-out strike, with 79.54% of members of the Criminal Bar Association (CBA) backing an escalation if the current legal-aid action.

Uninterrupted 'weeks of action' will begin in a fortnight, on 5 September. 

The British government described the vote for action as "irresponsible".

British justice minister Sarah Dines said: “This is an irresponsible decision that will only see more victims face further delays and distress.

“The escalation of strike action is wholly unjustified, considering we are increasing criminal barristers’ fees by 15%, which will see the typical barrister earn around £7,000 more a year.'

Just 9% voted to end the action, while 11% voted to continue with the current legal-aid action, which consists of alternating weeks of court walk-outs, no new instructions, and no returns.

A full 2,273 barristers have voted over the past fortnight.

Strength of feeling

The CBA said: “Given that many members have been away during this month, the increased level of participation in this latest ballot speaks volumes about the strength of feeling amongst colleagues across all six circuits.”

The last full working day for barristers participating in court walkouts is Friday (26 August), as next week is a scheduled 'week of action' under the current action.