UK and Ireland Meet to Discuss Next Steps on Troubles Legacy

Published: 17 November 2025 Monday. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

British and Irish ministers are meeting in Dublin on Monday to discuss the next steps in replacing the controversial Troubles Legacy Act, a key part of ongoing efforts to address the legacy of decades of conflict in Northern Ireland. The meeting, which brings together Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn and Tánaiste (Irish deputy prime minister) Simon Harris, marks the first formal engagement between the two governments since the UK and Ireland agreed on a new framework for legacy issues last month.

The revised framework is intended to address longstanding criticisms of the current Troubles Legacy Act, which has been viewed by some as inadequate in delivering justice and reconciliation while protecting the rights of veterans and witnesses. Central to the new plan is the creation of a Legacy Commission, supported by a dedicated legacy unit within An Garda Síochána—the Irish police force—and a set of protections for veterans.

According to the UK government, the package of measures includes “protections in old age” for veterans who served during the Troubles. The Legacy Commission, which evolves from the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR), will operate with independent oversight and is designed to avoid duplicating prior investigations unless compelling reasons arise. Two new directors for investigations will be appointed to ensure operational capacity and accountability.

A critical component of the commission’s mandate is the prioritisation of the health and well-being of witnesses. This approach aims to ensure that individuals contributing information to the legacy process are treated with dignity and care, recognising the psychological and emotional impact of revisiting traumatic events. In addition, the new framework allows for the restoration of inquests that had commenced but were not concluded under the previous Act, while other unresolved cases will be reviewed to determine a way forward.

Alongside the Legacy Commission, a cross-border Independent Commission on Information Retrieval will be established, initially for a period of two years. This commission is tasked with receiving information related to Troubles cases from individuals, with the crucial provision that such information cannot be used in prosecutions. The initiative reflects the goals agreed in the 2014 Stormont House Agreement, which outlined structures for reconciliation and information recovery that were never fully implemented.

In the Republic of Ireland, a dedicated legacy unit within An Garda Síochána is expected to be operational by the end of the year, facilitating co-operation on Troubles-related cases with authorities in Northern Ireland. Ireland has committed to bringing forward necessary legislation to ensure full co-operation with the UK’s Legacy Commission once reforms are enacted in UK law. Additionally, a ring-fenced €25 million (£21 million) fund has been set aside to support the participation of victims in legacy processes, reflecting a commitment to ensuring that survivors and affected families have the resources and support necessary to engage with investigations and reconciliation measures.

While the framework aims to promote justice, reconciliation, and transparency, it has not been without controversy. Unionist politicians have voiced criticism over the enhanced role granted to Dublin in dealing with Northern Ireland legacy issues, expressing concerns about sovereignty and the perception of external influence in sensitive matters. These tensions underscore the delicate balance the UK and Ireland must maintain in navigating historical grievances, current political realities, and the complex needs of victims, witnesses, and veterans.

The legacy discussions are taking place under the auspices of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference (BIIGC), which was designed to replace earlier structures such as the Anglo-Irish Intergovernmental Council (AIIC) and the Intergovernmental Conference established under the 1985 Anglo-Irish Agreement. The BIIGC’s purpose is to promote bilateral co-operation between the British and Irish governments on issues of mutual interest, including matters relating to Northern Ireland.

Historically, the BIIGC has experienced periods of inactivity; no meetings took place between 2008 and 2017. However, in 2018, following pressure from Sinn Féin and the Irish government, the BIIGC reconvened, alternating meetings between London and Dublin. The last meeting, held in April at Hillsborough Castle, indicated that progress on legacy issues was nearing a breakthrough, setting the stage for the current discussions.

The Legacy Commission will operate with statutory duties designed to prevent overlap with previous investigations, unless compelling reasons exist to revisit specific cases. This approach is intended to streamline processes, avoid unnecessary duplication, and ensure that investigative efforts are both efficient and respectful of witnesses and victims. It also aims to address concerns that past mechanisms may have been slow, fragmented, or lacked sufficient independence.

The establishment of an Independent Commission on Information Retrieval reflects a recognition of the value of information provided voluntarily by individuals who may hold insights into historical events but are not prepared for the formal legal consequences of disclosure. By creating a mechanism where information can be safely shared without fear of prosecution, the framework seeks to encourage transparency and the recovery of historical knowledge crucial to reconciliation efforts.

The funding allocated for victim participation is particularly significant, providing financial support to ensure that victims can engage fully in the processes, attend hearings, and access necessary legal and psychological assistance. The €25 million ring-fenced fund demonstrates the governments’ commitment to prioritising victims’ experiences and ensuring that their voices are central to the legacy process.

In parallel, the protections for veterans underscore a broader goal of balancing justice for victims with recognition of the service and sacrifices of those who operated during the Troubles. The protections are intended to safeguard veterans from retrospective legal jeopardy while allowing inquiries and investigations to proceed where appropriate, acknowledging the sensitive nature of historical military and police operations.

The cross-border cooperation envisaged under the framework, including the Irish dedicated legacy unit within An Garda Síochána, signals a renewed commitment to collaboration between Dublin and London. By establishing clear channels for communication, investigation, and information-sharing, both governments hope to build a more coherent and credible approach to dealing with the complex legacy of the Troubles.

While the framework has been designed with care, the political context remains challenging. Unionist parties have expressed concerns about Dublin’s increased involvement, highlighting longstanding tensions around governance, identity, and historical accountability in Northern Ireland. These concerns must be managed carefully to ensure that progress on legacy issues is not derailed by political disputes, while maintaining credibility with victims and communities affected by the Troubles.

For many in Northern Ireland, the proposed changes represent an opportunity for closure, justice, and reconciliation. Decades of political violence, sectarian division, and unsolved cases have left deep scars on individuals, families, and communities. The introduction of the Legacy Commission, the Independent Commission on Information Retrieval, and victim support measures aims to provide mechanisms for truth recovery, accountability, and, ultimately, societal healing.

The meeting in Dublin also signals a broader commitment by both governments to uphold the spirit of cooperation established under the Good Friday Agreement and subsequent agreements such as the Stormont House Agreement. By fostering dialogue and collaboration at the ministerial level, the UK and Ireland demonstrate that addressing the Troubles’ legacy remains a priority, despite the challenges inherent in balancing justice, reconciliation, and political sensitivities.

Observers have noted that the effectiveness of the new framework will depend heavily on its implementation. Ensuring that the Legacy Commission operates independently, that victim participation is meaningful, and that investigations proceed efficiently without undue duplication will be essential to achieving the desired outcomes. Furthermore, ongoing communication and engagement with communities affected by the Troubles will be crucial in building trust in the processes and institutions involved.

The upcoming discussions between Hilary Benn and Simon Harris in Dublin are therefore not just procedural; they represent a critical moment in shaping the future of legacy handling in Northern Ireland. The success of these talks could determine the pace and scope of reforms, the allocation of resources, and the level of cross-border cooperation necessary to implement the framework effectively.

As the new structures are established, the broader public will be watching closely. Families of victims, former combatants, legal experts, and civil society organisations all have a vested interest in ensuring that the reforms are fair, transparent, and capable of delivering meaningful outcomes. By creating an independent, well-resourced, and victim-focused approach, the governments aim to address past grievances while laying the groundwork for a more reconciled society.

In conclusion, the British-Irish ministerial meeting in Dublin represents a significant step in addressing the complex legacy of the Troubles. With the Legacy Commission, the Independent Commission on Information Retrieval, the dedicated gardaí unit, and targeted victim support measures, both governments are seeking to balance accountability, reconciliation, and protection for all parties involved. While challenges remain—particularly regarding political sensitivities and implementation—this initiative reflects a shared commitment to confronting the past responsibly, supporting victims, and fostering long-term stability and trust across Northern Ireland and beyond.