Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn has announced new measures to address crimes committed during the Troubles, describing them as the 'unfinished business' of the Good Friday Agreement. The proposed reforms aim to replace the controversial Legacy Act 2023, which Benn said had failed to confront the past and was rejected by all five main political parties and victims' families.
The joint framework between the British and Irish governments will require legislation on both sides. Benn acknowledged that 'a perfect outcome is not obtainable' but expressed hope that the measures would provide answers to victims across the political divide. Ireland's Deputy Prime Minister Simon Harris called the plan 'a night and day improvement' on the Legacy Act, promising 'maximum truth, justice and accountability'.
However, the plans have faced immediate criticism. Democratic Unionist Party leader Gavin Robinson denounced Irish government involvement as 'outrageous', while Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald said the party would 'take time to carefully consider' the proposals. The Social Democratic and Labour Party leader Claire Hanna voiced 'serious concerns' but acknowledged progress.
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 state agents, along with the ban on civil proceedings by victims, will be lifted.
A legacy unit will be established by the Gardaí in Ireland, alongside a €25 million fund to support witnesses. Benn assured that veterans providing information would be supported and could give evidence via video link, with similar provisions for former paramilitaries who disarmed in 1998. Normal court rules will apply in potential cases.
