The statement has been signed by Maura McNally SC, chair of the Bar Council of Ireland, and Bernard Brady QC, chair of the Bar Council of Northern Ireland, as well as Mark Fenhalls QC of the English and Welsh Bar and Roddy Dunlop QC, Dean of the Faculty of Advocates in Scotland.

The four bodies “unequivocally condemn the invasion of Ukraine by Russia”, they say.

“Ukraine is a sovereign state entitled to self-determination. International law requires the Russian Federation to respect Ukraine’s independence and sovereignty. This act of war is a gross violation of international law as set out in the UN Charter.”