The UK and Irish governments have unveiled a new framework to address Northern Ireland's troubled legacy, offering fresh hope for resolving what officials call the "unfinished business" of the peace process. Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn (Labour) and Irish deputy premier Simon Harris formally announced the agreement at Hillsborough Castle on Friday afternoon.
The framework represents a significant shift from years of impasse over how to handle the toxic legacy of the Troubles conflict. Benn emphasised the gravity of the moment, stating that dealing with the legacy "is hard, and that is why it has been for so long the unfinished business of the Good Friday Agreement."
He added: "We have now both an opportunity and a responsibility to try and deal with this and not put off difficult decisions for yet another generation." Benn reflected on hearing stories from Troubles victims as he expressed hope that closure was now "within our grasp."
Framework replaces controversial legacy act
The new agreement fundamentally reforms mechanisms established in the controversial 2023 Legacy Act introduced by the previous Conservative government. That legislation had halted scores of civil cases and inquests into Troubles deaths, drawing opposition from victims' groups and political parties across Northern Ireland.
Harris described the framework as a "night and day improvement" on the previous unilateral approach. The Irish government had launched an interstate legal case against the UK, claiming the Legacy Act breached the European Convention on Human Rights.
Labour had pledged to replace and repeal the 2023 Act after coming to power. The new framework has raised expectations that Ireland may drop its legal challenge if the commitments are faithfully implemented, with Harris saying his government would "revisit" its stance.
New commission structure and powers
The framework will fundamentally restructure the existing Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery into a new Legacy Commission. This body will have two co-equal directors of investigations and will be empowered to carry out investigations capable of leading to prosecutions.
A separate Independent Commission on Information Retrieval will handle truth recovery as a jointly funded UK-Irish cross-border body. Independent judges will hold public hearings where victims' families can participate directly.
The agreement removes the bar on legacy-related civil cases in UK courts and allows the resumption of inquests halted by the Legacy Act. A statutory independent oversight board will be created alongside an advisory group comprising victims and survivors.
Irish commitments and funding
Ireland has committed to the "fullest possible cooperation" with the new Legacy Commission and will create a dedicated Legacy Unit within An Garda Síochána. The Irish government will ring-fence 25 million euros to support victims and survivors in participating with legacy bodies.
Harris acknowledged the framework represented an "imperfect opportunity" but warned against holding out for perfection. "It would be easy to hold out for the perfect, to inevitably fail, and then to stand criticising on the sidelines; a comfortable hurler on the ditch," he said. "That would be a fundamental mistake; one that could not later be rectified."
Both governments believe the proposals are compliant with the European Convention on Human Rights and capable of securing support from victims and bereaved families. The framework will require new legislation at both Westminster and the Dáil, with continued consultation with victims' groups planned.
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
