Barristers call for accountability on appointment of QCs

Greater accountability should be introduced into the system in which barristers are promoted to Queen's Counsel, a report by a Bar Council working party concluded yesterday.

The study called for a wider level of consultation - at present, the decision rests with the Lord Chancellor after limited discussion - and candidates should be given reason if applications fail. Lobbying by barristers should cease and discrimination in favour of women or ethnic minorities should be outlawed.