The Criminal Bar Association (CBA) ballot results showed that only 139, or 5.1 per cent of respondents, voted against action in respect of prosecution fees, while 2,586 (94.9 per cent) supported the move.

The turnout, more than 2,700, represents more than 80 per cent of the criminal bar actively practising in the courts.

Barristers are also planning other disruptive action, including a policy of “no returns” – the refusal to cover for transferred casework from barristers unable to attend court on a particular date.

Chris Henley QC and Caroline Goodwin QC, chair and vice-chair of the CBA, said: “Your message is very clear. Your engagement has been overwhelming. We have set out the changes that the bar needs to see.

“In the background, a great deal of activity has been going on. There has been very constructive engagement with the CPS chief executive and the government on an almost daily basis for several weeks. We are hopeful that there will be a positive outcome to these discussions which, if successful, would result in substantial new investment.”

A government spokesperson said: “We’ve recently committed to a full review of legal aid payment schemes and are already engaging with a wide range of legal professionals on this.

“We are considering the most constructive way forward with representatives of the bar, while keeping all members of the criminal legal aid profession in mind.”