Criminal barristers have voted overwhelmingly in favour of escalating action over the government’s timetable for legal aid reform and will now prepare to withdraw the ‘goodwill’ that keeps the criminal justice system running smoothly from next month.

The Criminal Bar Association, which balloted members on industrial action, announced last night that 94.34% of the 1,908 members voted in favour of adopting a ‘no returns’ policy from 11 April.

‘Returns’ cases, which can include large criminal trials, are cases that barristers take on as a gesture of goodwill if the original barrister is unable to cover the case due to, for instance, a listing clash.

CBA chair Jo Sidhu QC said the association will assess the government’s response to the independent criminal legal aid review, which is expected this week, and continue to engage with the Ministry of Justice ‘to seek a fair and reasonable settlement’.

Guidance will be issued over the next few weeks outlining advocates’ professional duties and responsibilities during industrial action.

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: 'We are disappointed in a vote for this course of action just days before we announce our plans to create a stable and sustainable legal aid sector for the future. We encourage CBA members to read our proposals in full and respond to the consultation, rather than being drawn into action that will harm victims of crime.'

The Criminal Law Solicitors' Association responded on Twitter:

This article is now closed for comment.