TV judge Rinder declares his support for criminal barristers strike

Television judge Robert Rinder has launched into a passionate defence of criminal barristers who voted to go on strike in a dispute over pay, working conditions and legal aid funding.

Appearing in a presenter’s role on ITV’s Good Morning Britain show, Jewish host Rinder suggested public lawyers go into the practice because of a belief in the right of law in the UK – not for the money.

He added: “If I were – I am – still a member of my great chambers, I would be, without question, on strike.”

Rinder – who rose to fame on the ITV show Judge Rinder before becoming a contestant on the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing – spoke of the financial struggles faced by the youngest members of the bar, who he said, “that start the bar in over £100,000 of debt and on £12,000 a year.”

Co-presenter Kate Garraway turned to Rinder and asked if he was suggesting the strikers were not the ones earning fortunes “but serving the system doing legal aid.”

He said: “People don’t go and become public lawyers to make lots of money” before adding “the reality is that in this country what we should be most proud of … if you are accused of a serious offence as a matter of law you got, or you did get, the same standard of defence as the prosecution.”

Rinder added that while some defendants might end up guilty “that meant our justice system was safe and secure.”

He added: “You need good lawyers.”

The strikes, which were confirmed on Monday are expected to delay thousands of cases, leaving victims and the accused waiting longer for justice.

The Criminal Bar Association is asking for a 25% rise in pay for legal aid work, representing defendants who could not otherwise afford lawyers.

Members have rejected the government’s 15% pay offer, saying it would not kick in immediately or apply to existing cases.

The current strike action means members are already scheduled to strike on 30 August, meaning members’ last working day will be on Friday.

Rinder rose to fame on the ITV show Judge Rinder before becoming a contestant on the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing.

His presenting stint on GMB has been widely praised by viewers this week.