We are QCs from the ethnic minorities lucky enough to have enjoyed success in the profession, sometimes against the odds. In their review of silk, ministers have ignored the impact that the abolition of the system would have on black and Asian members of the Bar. This is despite a warmly welcomed policy in recent years of ministers encouraging applications from ethnic minority practitioners.

The hopes of a rising cohort of black and Asian practitioners would be dashed at a stroke by the abolition of silk, and a huge opportunity to promote diversity in the legal profession and on the bench would be missed.

The public interest is served by a QC system which raises the sights of the 18 per cent of barristers who are from a non-white background. Their eyes are on a prize which will ultimately strengthen confidence in our legal system throughout our communities.

Yours faithfully,
COURTENAY GRIFFITHS,
LINDA DOBBS,
OBA NSUGBE,
c/o Bar Council,
3 Bedford Row, WC1R 4DB.
November 1.