September 19, 2025: Northern Irealnd Secretary of State Hilary Benn and Ireland's Tanaiste Simon Harris upon the publication of the new Joint Framework to address the legacy of The Troubles.Northern Ireland Office

Details of the new "The Legacy of the Troubles: A Joint Framework" were announced by Ireland's Tánaiste Simon Harris and Northern Ireland's Secretary of State Hilary Benn at Hillsborough Castle in Co Down on Friday, September 19.

The new Joint Framework - which can be read online here - is a fundamental reform of the UK's controversial 2023 Legacy Act, which was opposed by all political parties, victims and survivors groups, and wider civil society in Northern Ireland. It was also widely opposed by the Irish Government and Irish American groups.

Details were revealed on Friday following the conclusion of months of intensive engagement between Harris and Benn, Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said on Friday.

Guided by the 2014 Stormont House Agreement, the new Joint Framework sets out what the Irish and UK Governments will do on the basis of reciprocal cooperation.

According to Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the new Joint Framework will, among other elements, lift the prohibition on civil cases and restore inquests halted by the Legacy Act.

It will completely overhaul the independence and governance of the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR), renaming it the Legacy Commission and putting in place a statutory Independent Oversight Board, robust conflict of interest provisions, a Victims and Survivors Advisory Group, and an independent appointments panel advising on senior appointments.

It will ensure the Legacy Commission can carry out investigations, to UK-wide standards, capable of leading to prosecution

It will establish a new, judge-led inquisitorial mechanism, with public hearings and effective next-of-kin participation

It reforms provisions on disclosure of sensitive information, removing the power of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland to give guidance to the Legacy Commission about the identification of sensitive information.

In Ireland, the Joint Framework includes the creation of a new dedicated Legacy Unit within An Garda Síochána. The Irish Government also commits €25 million to support the engagement of victims and families with the new legacy processes.

Read more

Tánaiste Simon Harris described the Joint Framework on Friday as a "step-change" from the UK's 2023 Legacy Act, which he says "was unilaterally conceived, unilaterally drafted, and unilaterally implemented."

He acknowledged: "I am fully aware that winning the confidence of families will take time," but added: “I believe that what we have agreed can deliver for families."

Secretary of State Hilary Benn similarly said on Friday: "The previous government’s flawed, undeliverable and widely opposed Legacy Act has caused great pain and anguish to many people in Northern Ireland.

"I believe that this framework, underpinned by new co-operation from both our governments, represents the best way forward to finally make progress on the unfinished business of the Good Friday Agreement."