The Criminal Bar Association (CBA) said today that it will not extend the withdrawal of services which began at the start of January and was later extended until the end of February.

However, members will continue to refuse to accept instructions in certain new Crown Court cases — namely Category A cases, which include trials for murder and serious sexual offences, as well as retrials and multi-complainant Category D cases.

In a statement, the CBA said: “Engagement has taken place with the Department of Justice in recent weeks. Although positive, the CBA does not consider that this engagement has created the conditions necessary to enable them to advise their members to cease entirely their withdrawal of services.

“However, we can confirm that, from 1st March 2025, the January and February escalation shall cease, and CBA will return to dealing with cases listed before our Crown Court, whilst maintaining their refusal to accept instructions in defined classes of new Crown Court cases (namely, Category A, retrials, and multi-compliant Category D cases).

“The Bar of Northern Ireland has at all times been, and remains, ready, willing, and able to engage in meaningful dialogue with the Department of Justice in order to resolve the access to justice crisis and bring to an end its remaining industrial action.”

The Department of Justice has been contacted for comment.