Plenty of people will have something to say about the government’s latest wheeze for piloting extended court hours. And HMCTS should be applauded for being so willing to meet those who will be working the later sittings.

Officials have set up meetings in Newcastle, Manchester and London over the coming weeks to hear the profession’s views, with invites circulated in recent days.

Of course, HMCTS will be especially keen to hear from lawyers who object to the pilot on the grounds that domestic commitments prevent them attending outside normal working hours. Hence, no doubt, the decision to schedule the meetings for between 5pm and 7pm.

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