Relations between the Bar and the Government have been shaky for well over a decade. Nevertheless, it is safe to say that Lord Irvine’s historic move last month to signal the demise of the Silk system heralds a new low.

The withdrawal of Irvine’s unconditional support for the award of Queen’s Counsel came hard on the heels of a Bar Council report calling on Irvine to be stripped of his power to appoint judges. It is hard to assess which act has caused the most hurt to which intended recipient.