Constructive talks between Justice Minister Naomi Long and the Criminal Bar Association (CBA) have led to agreement on an accelerated review, with the CBA confirming it will exempt the upcoming trial concerning the murder of Chloe Mitchell from its withdrawal of services.

Further discussions between the Department of Justice and the CBA are scheduled for next week as efforts continue to resolve the ongoing impasse in the criminal justice system. Justice Minister Naomi Long said: "The meeting was constructive, and I welcome the CBA's commitment to engaging to find solutions to the recent impasse. Whilst not all issues have been resolved, a decision has now been taken which will enable the Chloe Mitchell trial to progress. I recently met with the family, and I am humbled by their resilience and determination to see justice for Chloe. We must never lose sight of the fact that victims are central to everything we do. We must protect them, we must serve them and we must be prepared to make hard decisions for them."

Michael Chambers KC, Vice Chair of the CBA, said: "We welcome the Minister's frank and constructive engagement with the CBA, following on from the CBA's meeting with the Mitchell family and North Antrim political representatives, during which we had an opportunity not only to listen but also to explain the full background of the strike to them. Our consistent position has been that our members want to be in Court, dealing with cases like Chloe'. We welcome the Minister's confirmation that an accelerated review will proceed and it is our hope that this will produce the urgent reforms necessary to enable a full return to work."