In this latest episode of the Criminal Justice Matters podcast from the Criminal Bar Association of England & Wales,former Chair of the CBA Mary Prior KC discusses with the Chair of the Bar Council, Barbara Mills KC the privilege, responsibility and pressures of their offices, and their efforts to help barristers of all backgrounds become the best they can be.

Mary and Barbara share their insights into what it takes as women to have risen to the very highest positions of leadership during a time of ongoing generational shift towards greater inclusiveness, kindness and respect in the profession.

They shine a light into the world of negotiations with justice stakeholders, and highlight the power of unity shared through mutual trust between Chairs.

Mary Prior KC, was CBA Chair for a year until 31 August 2025 before which she served one year as Vice Chair. Barbara Mills KC continues her term as Bar Council Chair until 31 December 2025. Riel Karmy-Jones KC succeeded Mary as CBA Chair on 1 September 2025 andcontinues to positively engage with criminal justice matters at the highest political and judicial levels, and fosters the strong, united, working Chair relationship with the Bar Council leadership.

Criminal Justice Matters is produced on behalf of theCriminal Bar Association by ⁠AdamBatstone Media &Communications⁠

For any further information on issues raised in this seriescontact: James Rossiter, CBA director of Communications ⁠07985 117887

In this third episode dealing with the Leveson Review, Daniel Oscroft, a specialist criminal barrister with over 20 years’ experience who practices from No5 Chambers, discusses the existing inefficiencies in the criminal courts system with Simon Spence KC and Kate Bex KC.

The Leveson Review was commissioned by the Government and published on 9 July 2025. In his report, Sir Brian Leveson made a series of recommendations including limiting the right to jury trial, resolving more cases before they reach the courts, and the creation of a new Crown Court Bench Division which would see judges sit alongside two magistrates to deal with some cases without any jury present.

Following a wide-ranging consultation with interested parties, and a survey of all practicing criminal Barristers,the CBA’s position on Part 1 of the Leveson Review has been settled and can be found here:

The full CBA response sent to the Leveson Review on 3 February 2025, can be found here.

Sir Brian Leveson is due to publish a second part to his review which is expected to look at how to improve efficiency within the Criminal Courts in the Autumn.

Criminal Justice Matters is produced on behalf of the Criminal Bar Association by Adam Batstone Media &Communications

For any further information on issues raised in this series contact: James Rossiter, CBA director of Communications

07985117887

Sir Brian Leveson has published his recommendations into how changes could be made to the criminal jusitce system aimed at addressing the backlog of cases awaiting trial and taking pressure off the criminal courts.

His recommendations include limiting the right to jury trial, resolving more cases before they reach the courts and the creation of a new Crown Court Bench Division which would see judges sit alongside two magistrates to deal with some cases without any jury present.

In this episode of the Criminal Justice Matters podccast, from the Criminal Bar Association of England and Wales, Simon Spence KC, Kate Bex KC and Francis FitzGibbon KC give their response , reaction and opinions to the recommendations included in the Leveson Review.

CBA members can make their views known by taking part in the CBA member survey. More details are available via the CBA website.

Criminal Justice Matters is produced on behalf of the CBA by Adam Batstone Media & Communications