Justice minister James Cartlidge MP this morning joined the wave of resignations from the government – but not without taking a dig at the criminal bar over its strike action.
In his resignation letter, Cartlidge said he felt duty bound to remain in post as courts minister ‘given the very challenging circumstances facing the criminal courts’ but said the position had become untenable.
He said it was a ‘wrench to leave’ so close to laying down legislation to increase criminal legal aid fees. ‘In particular, I am conscious that court staff at HMCTS – not just the judiciary but especially clerks, listings officers and all the foot soldiers who got the courts back on track in the pandemic – are once again putting in a herculean shift, in the face of wholly disproportionate disruption from some in the criminal bar,’ he added.
‘The judicial part of our constitution is precious, embodying the principle of the rule of law that is so sacrosanct. It was difficult to put aside previous transgressions, but you have been a lion in Ukraine and deserved a chance, with your democratic mandate, to change and reset. It must now be obvious that this is no longer possible.’
Cartlidge was due to meet the Criminal Bar Association next week to discuss the impasse over criminal legal aid funding.
The CBA confirmed that its strike action will continue and that its agreed meeting with the Ministry of Justice remains in the diary for next Tuesday.
The association added: 'We have come this far and we will not suspend strike action until we see substantial movement from government. That is what we promised you.'
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