The UK government has taken significant steps in reshaping its approach to the Troubles legacy. Northern Ireland Secretary of State Hilary Benn recently introduced a new bill in Parliament. This bill aims to replace the previous legislation, which had faced substantial criticism.
New Legislation on Troubles Legacy Deal
The proposed framework was agreed upon by the UK and Irish governments last month. This legislation comes after Labour pledged to repeal and replace measures introduced by the prior Conservative administration. These measures included a ban on inquests and civil claims related to incidents from the Troubles.
Key Features of the New Bill
- Establishment of a legacy commission.
- Creation of a dedicated legacy unit within An Garda Síochána, the Irish police.
- Implementation of protections for military veterans.
Benn emphasized that the reform is essential for victims, who should ultimately assess its effectiveness. However, some Members of Parliament (MPs), including Gavin Robinson of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), voiced concerns about being consulted without having seen the legislation first.
Inquests and Investigations
The new legislation aims to resume nine halted inquests resulting from the previous act. It will also evaluate 24 outstanding inquests through a “sifting process” managed by the solicitor general. Among these, one inquest into the 1987 deaths of eight IRA members and a civilian in Loughgall is set to resume.
Claire Hanna, leader of the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP), stressed the necessity for the legacy commission to operate independently and transparently, prioritizing the needs of victims and their families.
Irish Legislative Plans
Simon Harris, Tánaiste of Ireland, expressed optimism regarding the collaboration between the UK and Irish governments. He indicated that Ireland plans to introduce its own legacy laws in 2026, contingent upon the successful passage of the UK legislation.
Harris emphasized that the upcoming Irish legislation must align with the new human rights-compliant institutions established by the UK.
Compensation Controversy Involving Gerry Adams
The legislation will attempt to block Gerry Adams from receiving compensation related to his unlawful detention during the 1970s. This follows a Supreme Court ruling that deemed his detention unlawful. Despite the past legal decisions, the new bill aims to reaffirm provisions to prevent financial compensations for Adams and others similarly affected.
This move is part of the Labour government’s broader commitment to ensuring that future legislation upholds victims’ rights while balancing concerns for veterans and historical accountability.
