Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn has criticised the previous Conservative government's Legacy Act 2023, calling it a failure that was rejected by all five main political parties and victims' families. He announced new measures to address the 'unfinished business' of the Good Friday Agreement, aiming to provide answers to victims on both sides of the political divide.
The new joint framework between the British and Irish governments will replace the controversial Legacy Act, which was supported by veterans' groups but opposed by political parties in Northern Ireland. Benn acknowledged that 'a perfect outcome is not obtainable' but expressed hope that the reforms would deliver truth and accountability.
However, the plans have faced immediate criticism. Democratic Unionist Party leader Gavin Robinson denounced the Irish government's involvement as 'outrageous', while the Social Democratic and Labour Party leader Claire Hanna voiced 'serious concerns'. Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald said the party would carefully consider the proposals.
Under the new pact, frozen inquests will resume, and the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery will be replaced by two new bodies: one for investigations and another for information recovery. Public hearings overseen by independent judges will be facilitated. Conditional immunity for soldiers and the ban on civil proceedings will be lifted.
Ireland's deputy prime minister, Simon Harris, described the measures as 'a night and day improvement' on the Legacy Act, promising 'maximum truth, justice and accountability'. The Irish government will establish a legacy unit and a €25m fund to support witnesses.
