UK and Irish deal announced to replace Troubles legacy legislation

Hilary Benn and Simon Harris unveiled a new cross-border framework to replace the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act, aiming to address unresolved issues from the conflict.

By Conor McAuley1 min read

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The new UK and Irish framework was announced by Secretary of State Hilary Benn and Tánaiste Simon Harris on 19 September 2025. It replaces the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act, which had been widely opposed.

The Legacy Commission will operate under a statutory duty not to duplicate prior investigations unless compelling reasons exist. It will have two new directors for investigations and must consider witness wellbeing at all times.

Inquests that began but were not concluded before the Legacy Act took effect will be restored. Unstarted inquests will be reviewed to determine a way forward under the new framework.