Addressing the Legacy of the Troubles
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn, made a statement in the House of Commons on December 4, 2024, detailing the government’s approach to dealing with the legacy of the Troubles.
Northern Ireland’s political parties, victims’ groups, and the Irish Government rejected the previous government’s approach to legacy issues, which was inadequate, and this initiative follows that recognition.
Correcting Human Rights Deficiencies
Benn announced the laying of a Remedial Order under the Human Rights Act to address the human rights deficiencies identified in the Legacy Act by the Northern Ireland High Court.
This Order will remove provisions related to the immunity scheme, which would have allowed perpetrators of terrorist crimes to seek immunity from prosecution.
Additionally, it will enable civil proceedings, including future cases, to proceed, restoring the right of individuals to bring Troubles-related cases to civil courts.
Broader Implications for Justice and Transparency
The new measures aim to restore inquests halted by the Legacy Act and amend the disclosure regime to ensure fairness, transparency, and maximum disclosure of information.
This approach aligns with the model for statutory inquiries and other established processes, ensuring that families of victims can finally find out what happened to their loved ones.
Some Statistics and Implementation Details
- The Remedial Order will correct all human rights deficiencies identified by the Northern Ireland High Court.
- Civil proceedings prohibited by the Legacy Act will now be allowed to proceed.
- The Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR) will hold public hearings and take sworn evidence from individuals.
Leadership Response
“Too many families I have met have had to wait too long to find out what happened to their loved ones. I have found it difficult to listen to their stories about the brutality of the killings, the way some of them were treated afterwards and the passing of the years without finding answers.”
Hilary Benn, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.
Benn’s statement reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that veterans receive the right welfare and legal support, while also acknowledging the dedicated service of police officers, members of the armed forces, and the security services during the Troubles.
Progress and Targets
- The government is committed to repealing and replacing the Legacy Act as outlined in their manifesto.
- Primary legislation will be introduced to implement the promise to restore inquests and amend the disclosure regime.
- We will hold further discussions with families, victims’ and survivors’ groups, Northern Ireland parties, civil society, and the veterans community to ensure comprehensive legislation.
Local and Regional Impact
The new measures will have a significant impact on Northern Ireland, particularly for families who have been seeking justice and closure for decades.
The involvement of the Irish Government, as co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement, is crucial in this process, ensuring a unified approach to addressing the legacy of the Troubles.
Immediate Implications
The immediate implications of these changes include the restoration of civil proceedings and the potential for families to finally receive answers about the fate of their loved ones. This step marks a significant move towards healing and reconciliation in Northern Ireland.
Broader Significance
The government’s commitment to addressing the legacy of the Troubles underscores a broader effort to uphold human rights, ensure transparency, and provide justice to those affected.
This initiative is a critical step in the ongoing process of reconciliation and healing in Northern Ireland, reflecting the government’s dedication to honoring its obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights.
