Tag: Northern Ireland Office

The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 6 May 2025.

Government response to Consultation on Non-Jury Trials in Northern Ireland.

On 9 December 2024, the Northern Ireland Office launched a 12-week public consultation seeking views on whether the non-jury trial provisions within the Justice and Security (Northern Ireland) Act 2007 (the 2007 Act) should be extended for a further two years.

The consultation closed on 3 March 2025. This response contains an analysis of the consultation responses received and the subsequent decision that the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has made to extend the non-jury trial provisions within the 2007 Act.

The response can be found here: Consultation response on Non-Jury Trials in Northern Ireland (PDF, 2.17 MB, 42 pages)

The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 30 April 2025.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn MP, has today filed applications with the Court of Appeal seeking an extension of time for decision-making and seeking protective leave to appeal to the Supreme Court in the case brought by Bridie Brown, whose husband was murdered by loyalist paramilitaries in 1997.

Mr Benn said:

The murder of Sean Brown nearly 28 years ago was brutal and despicable and it has caused deep pain and anguish to Mrs Brown, her family, and many in the wider community. I know that this has been exacerbated by the time it has taken to find answers.

As I have said many times, I am committed to ensuring that there is a full, thorough and independent Article 2-compliant investigation into the murder of Sean Brown.

I am taking steps to repeal and replace the previous government’s Legacy Act to ensure that we have a legacy system that is capable of delivering for all families who lost loved ones during the Troubles, and who are seeking answers.

It is clear that the detailed judgement requires a full and considered response. I have therefore today asked the Court of Appeal for more time to consider it and the terms of the declaration. This will allow me to receive comprehensive advice that responds in full to the issues the Court has identified.

Also, given the approaching deadline from the Court for requesting leave to appeal, I have today asked the Court for leave to appeal to the Supreme Court, in case that should ultimately be necessary.

These steps will not delay the Government’s determination to take the necessary steps to ensure that the system for dealing with legacy is human rights compliant and can command the confidence of victims and families.

The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 28 April 2025.

The Secretary of State has today signed a six month extension to a transitional provision made under the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023, to allow investigating bodies to carry out post-investigative tasks until 31st October 2025.

A transitional provision was made under the Act which specified that, where all that remains to be carried out by the investigating body is the preparation of the investigation report or something subsequent to that, it may carry out those post-investigative tasks until 30th April 2025.

The Government received requests from the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland, KENOVA and the Police Service of Northern Ireland to extend that provision in order to allow remaining post-investigative tasks to be carried out.

The Government is committed to ensuring families receive information as soon as possible about what happened to their loved ones, so has agreed to extend the provision until 31st October 2025.

The Government is committed to repeal and replace the Act. On 4 December 2024 the Secretary of State began this process by laying a proposed draft Remedial Order under the Human Rights Act. If adopted by Parliament, the Order will remedy all of the human rights deficiencies in the Act identified by the Northern Ireland High Court in February 2024 in the case of Dillon and Others and one issue from the Court of Appeal judgment in September 2024.

The Secretary of State has also committed to introduce primary legislation when parliamentary time allows, which will reform and strengthen the independence, powers and accountability of the Independent Commission on Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR).

The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 24 April 2025.

Today the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn MP, and the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Fleur Anderson MP, attended the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference in Hillsborough Castle.

A meeting of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference took place in Hillsborough Castle on 24 April 2025.

The Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland was represented by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP, and the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Fleur Anderson MP.

The Government of Ireland was represented by the Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and Minister for Defence, Simon Harris TD, and the Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan TD.

Legacy

The UK Government and the Government of Ireland noted that one of the aims of the Good Friday Agreement – to acknowledge and address the suffering of victims and survivors of the Troubles – remains unrealised. Both Governments reaffirmed their strong desire to work in partnership on this issue and expressed a mutual commitment to making timely progress so that families can obtain the information and accountability that they deserve and have long sought.

Both Governments reflected on the positive and constructive bilateral discussions that had taken place since the last BIIGC on the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy & Reconciliation) Act 2023 and the Commission it established. They noted the substantive progress made and emphasised that their aim remains to reach agreement on a joint, comprehensive approach to legacy issues consistent with the principles of the Stormont House Agreement – including ensuring that legacy mechanisms are human rights compliant and balanced, proportionate, transparent, fair and equitable.

The UK Government and the Government of Ireland agreed that any joint approach to legacy will require agreement on all key issues, including: fundamental reform of the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery to ensure its human rights compliance and to strengthen its practical independence, governance and oversight; the approach to legacy inquests and information retrieval; and ensuring that there are clear reciprocal commitments by both the UK Government and the Government of Ireland.

It was agreed that both Governments would continue to work quickly and intensively in seeking to finalise a joint approach. The UK Government remains committed to introducing legislation to repeal and replace the Legacy Act when Parliamentary time allows, and the Government of Ireland will introduce its own legislation as necessary. Ultimately, securing the confidence of victims, survivors, and families will remain at the heart of the work of both Governments.

Political stability

The Governments discussed their shared commitment to the good operation of all three strands of the Good Friday Agreement. They affirmed the importance of the full and timely implementation of the Windsor Framework. They took stock of recent developments including US tariff measures and their respective engagement with stakeholders to date.

The UK Government also provided an update on the ongoing efforts to support the Northern Ireland Executive with public service transformation.

Security update

The Governments discussed the current security situation, including the Northern Ireland-related terrorism (NIRT) threat. That the NIRT threat level remains unchanged at SUBSTANTIAL is testament to the work being done by agencies on both sides of the border. This cross-border cooperation remains a vital part of work to tackle the terrorist threat and wider harms.

They discussed an update on the process underway jointly to appoint an Independent Expert to carry out a short scoping and engagement exercise to assess whether there is merit in, and support for, a formal process of engagement to bring about paramilitary group transition to disbandment.

British-Irish cooperation

Ministers reflected on the recent UK-Ireland Summit, including on how future meetings of the BIIGC could complement the programme of cooperation agreed at the Summit.

They reaffirmed their shared commitment to protecting the Common Travel Area to the benefit of citizens across these islands and noted, in particular, the importance of continued engagement with all stakeholders to ensure the UK ETA scheme operates smoothly.

The Governments agreed that the Conference would meet again in the coming months.

The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 24 April 2025.

The British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference (BIIGC) will take place at Hillsborough Castle today (Thursday 24th April), the first time the Conference has been held in Northern Ireland since 2006.

Established under the Good Friday Agreement, the BIIGC is a bilateral forum  which meets regularly, aiming “to bring together the British and Irish Governments to promote cooperation at all levels on all matters of mutual interest within the competence of both Governments”.

Today’s meeting will be chaired by Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn and Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Minister for Defence Simon Harris. The meeting will also be attended by the Parliamentary under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Fleur Anderson MP and the Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan TD.

It follows the UK-Ireland summit in March when the two governments pledged to work closely to deliver security, investment and growth

This new era of co-operation with Ireland is a key part of the UK Government’s Plan for Change to put more money in working people’s pockets across the country through a future of greater national security and renewal.

At today’s BIIGC meeting, the two Governments are expected to discuss ongoing efforts to find a way forward regarding the legacy of the past in Northern Ireland. They will also cover political stability, security, and other areas of bilateral cooperation.

Secretary of State Hilary Benn said:

This will be an important meeting in developing the strong and close relationship between the UK and the Irish Governments as we continue to work together on a range of issues.

Tánaiste Simon Harris said:

I am looking forward to this significant meeting of the British Irish Intergovernmental Conference and to continuing the intensive discussions with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on the challenging but essential work of dealing with the legacy of the past.

The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 10 April 2025.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, The Rt. Hon. Hilary Benn MP has announced the extension of the appointment of Mitchell B. Reiss as the UK Commissioner to the Independent Reporting Commission from 1 April 2025 to 30 September 2026.

The Northern Ireland Executive nominees, Monica McWilliams and John McBurney have also been extended and the Irish Government has extended the appointment of Tim O’Connor for the same period.

Background

The Independent Reporting Commission was established following the Fresh Start Agreement in 2015 by an international treaty between the UK Government and the Government of Ireland.

Its key functions are to report on progress towards ending paramilitary activity and on the implementation of the relevant measures of the UK Government, the Government of Ireland and the Northern Ireland Executive.

The IRC continues to play an important role in reporting on progress towards ending paramilitarism in Northern Ireland and the independent perspective offered by the Commission provides a significant contribution in scrutinising and shaping that effort.

Further information on the work of the Commission can be found at:  https://www.ircommission.org/

Terms of appointment

The UK Commissioner position attracts a remuneration of £22,750 per annum and is not pensionable. The Northern Ireland Executive nominees receive a similar remuneration package.

The Irish Government is responsible for setting the terms for its nominee.

Political Activity

All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees’ political activity in defined categories within the last five years to be made public.

The UK Government nominee and Northern Ireland Executive nominees have declared no such political activity in the past five years.

Regulation

Appointments to the Independent Reporting Commission are not regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments.

The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 9 April 2025.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn MP, has today (9 April) set out the details of two landmark archival projects relating to the Troubles.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn MP, has today set out the details of two landmark archival projects relating to the Troubles.

The first is a project to digitise and publish open UK Government records relating to the NI Troubles in collaboration with The National Archives. This will broaden access by publishing digital copies of paper records that have previously only been available by visiting The National Archives at Kew, making them free to view online.

The second is an archival research project, which will see official historians appointed, following a transparent and independent recruitment process, to research UK Government policy towards Northern Ireland during the Troubles. They will be given full access to UK state archives.

These projects will provide a unique resource for anyone interested in the history of the Troubles and government policy. They will seek to build public confidence through greater accessibility and transparency, and provide a deeper understanding of UK Government policy and decision making on Northern Ireland during the Troubles.

Speaking during a visit to The National Archives at Kew, the Secretary of State said:

I am pleased to support work by The National Archives to digitise and publish key records relating to this complex period in our history. I have seen today examples of the records digitisation process and look forward to the first records in this project being published in the autumn.

I am also grateful to members of the academic advisory panel for lending their expertise to the important archival research project, and I have every confidence that they will ensure it is conducted to the highest academic standards. Their first task will be to identify highly qualified and independently-minded historians via open competition, and I would encourage anyone interested in this project to find out more on their website.

Taken together, these projects will provide an invaluable resource for the public, journalists, educational institutions, researchers, and academics, making information about this period in Northern Ireland’s history more accessible, and so making government decision-making more transparent.

Saul Nassé, Chief Executive of The National Archives, said:

The National Archives’ documents provide a valuable perspective on the Troubles.

This project will mean the widest possible audience will be able to view the records online to grow their understanding of this significant period in modern history.

Co-chairs of the independent advisory panel, Professor Caoimhe Nic Dháibhéid and Lord Bew, said:

We welcome the Government’s strong commitment to increasing access to state archives, which has been an important part of dealing with the past in many other countries.

The Government has rightly recognised the need for work of this nature to be conducted transparently and independently, and as co-chairs of the expert advisory panel we look forward to engaging with colleagues across the academic community as we collectively seek to further understanding of this important period in our history.

Notes to Editors:

1. The previous Government originally announced these two non-legislative Northern Ireland Legacy initiatives – an Official History granting independent historians privileged access to state archives and a Digitisation Project, making open Government records relating to the Northern Ireland Troubles readily available to all, virtually and free of charge.
2. An initial phase of the digitisation project took place in May 2023 with the launch of a stand-alone digital resource hosted on the The National Archives website, which brought together a selection of key documents from the Major and Blair Governments to mark the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.
3. As part of the Government’s commitment to support efforts to address the legacy of the Troubles, these projects will now be taken forward to the implementation stage. Further updates on both projects will be provided as they progress. There will be a phased approach to the digitisation project, and we expect the first tranche of records to be available on The National Archives’ website by autumn 2025.
4. The Government’s Official History series began in 1908, and involves independent historians appointed by the Prime Minister granted privileged access to closed files beyond the normal provisions of the Public Records Act. Previous examples of official histories include the Official History of the Falklands Campaign (published in 2007)  and the Official History of the Royal Navy in World War II (published in volumes between 1954 and 1961).
5. In 2008, the previous Labour Government commissioned Sir Joseph Pilling to review the Official History series. Sir Joseph made a number of recommendations to increase the transparency and relevance of the programme, and the report is published here.
6. The Government has appointed an independent expert advisory panel to make recommendations on key details of this project. The panel consists of Lord Paul Bew (Emeritus Professor of Politics at Queen’s University Belfast); Professor Caoimhe Nic Dháibhéid (Senior Lecturer in Modern History at University of Sheffield); Professor Henry Patterson (Emeritus Professor of Politics at the University of Ulster); Dr Edward Burke (Assistant Professor in the History of War, University College Dublin); Professor Richard Bourke (Professor of the History of Political Thought, University of Cambridge); Professor Helen Parr (Professor of Modern and Contemporary History, Keele University); Professor Ian McBride (Foster Professor of Irish History, Oxford University).
7. A website with further information about the project is at www.niofficialhistory.org.uk. The advisory panel is overseeing an independent recruitment process for up to five official historians. The panel is currently seeking expressions of interest for these posts, and further information can be found here.

The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 4 March 2025.

Secretary of State announces appointment of commissioners to the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the Right Honourable Hilary Benn MP, has announced the reappointment of seven Commissioners (Maureen Brunt, Siobhan Cullen, Ellen Finlay, Monica Fitzpatrick, Colin Kennedy, John McCallister and Preeti Yellamaty) and the new appointment of Harry Robinson to the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland.

Background

The Equality Commission was established in 1999, as part of the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement. It took over the functions of the Fair Employment Commission, Equal Opportunities Commission, and Council for Racial Equality and Northern Ireland Disability Council.

The Commission is responsible for policing the Statutory Duty on all public authorities in Northern Ireland to have due regard to the need to promote equality of opportunity across a range of areas including religion, political opinion, gender, race, age, marital status, sexual orientation, disability and those with and without dependants. The Commission is funded and sponsored by The Executive Office.  Further information about the work of the Commission can be found at:

https://www.equalityni.org/Home

Biographies for the seven re-appointees can be found on the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland website:

https://www.equalityni.org/HeaderLinks/About-Us/Our-structure#gsc.tab=0

In addition, Harry Robinson is currently employed as Head of School at Belfast Metropolitan College and has a background of over 20 years working in Further Education to provide equality of opportunity for those facing barriers to education. He has a lead role in the provision of English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) for refugees and those seeking asylum in Northern Ireland as well as the delivery of Community Education and Lifelong Learning. Harry is also a member of the Board of Trustees for Voice of Young People in Care (VOYPIC) a local charity that works to promote the rights and voice of children in care and care leavers in Northern Ireland.

Terms of Appointment

• These positions are part-time for a period of three years ending on 31 May 2028. Both the reappointments and new appointment will commence from 1 June 2025.
• The positions receive a fixed annual remuneration of £5,000.
• The positions are not pensionable.

Political Activity

All appointments are made on merit and with regards to the statutory requirements. Political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees’ political activity in defined categories to be made public.

None have declared any political activity in the past five years.

Regulation

These appointments are regulated by the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointment (OCPA).

Statutory Requirements

The Secretary of State makes appointments to the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland in accordance with the Northern Ireland Act 1998.

The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 4 March 2025.

Secretary of State has welcomed the release of £129 million by the UK Government to support public service transformation in Northern Ireland.

• The funding is the first tranche of the £235 million transformation fund committed to the Executive, and demonstrates the UK Government’s commitment to improving public services for people in Northern Ireland.
• Targeted funding will support six Executive projects across the Departments of  Health, Justice, Education and Infrastructure.
• UK Government support to deliver Plan for Change.

The funding will see £61m go towards expanding the multi-disciplinary team approach to primary care across Northern Ireland, and support five other projects across justice, education and infrastructure which represent key priorities in the Executive’s Programme for Government.

This is the first tranche of funding to be allocated from the £235 million fund created by the UK Government as part of the financial package that led to the restoration of the Executive in February 2024. It comes in addition to a £1.5 billion increase through the Barnett formula, with £1.2 billion for day-to-day spending, and £270 million for capital investment. This investment shows the Government’s Plan for Change delivering reform and growth for the people of Northern Ireland.

Mr Benn said: “Everyone recognises that the task of stabilising and transforming Northern Ireland’s health and other public services is a priority.

“This allocation of UK Government funding is a really important step towards this, and in this UK Government, the Executive will always have a partner that is committed to supporting this work every step of the way.

“I am delighted that Northern Ireland will this year receive its largest real terms financial settlement since devolution, supporting growth and investment. Today’s additional funding will go directly towards the transformation of public services, which the people of Northern Ireland want to see.”

Background

• The funding comes following the recommendations of the Public Sector Transformation Board to fund six projects across health, justice, education and infrastructure.
• The Board, comprising officials from the Northern Ireland Civil Service and UK Government, supported by independent experts, provides recommendations to the Executive about approval on £235 million ringfenced funding.
• Further funding decisions will be subject to the Public Sector Transformation Board’s recommendations, of which is led and agreed by the Northern Ireland Executive.
• The transformation funding is part of the broader £3.3 billion restoration package for Northern Ireland.

The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 3 March 2025.

Earlier today, the Irish and United Kingdom Governments announced new appointments to the Board of the International Fund for Ireland.

The appointments are:

• Ms Shona McCarthy, Chair
• Ms Janet McConkey,
• Ms Katy Hayward,
• Ms Anne Conaghan
• Ms Anne Carr,
• Ms Angila Chada,
• Mr Bill Pauley,

In announcing these appointments, the two governments expressed their very warm appreciation for the services given by the outgoing Board Members whose term of office had ended. Particular thanks are due to Mr Paddy Harte who has shown exceptional leadership of the Board through his service as Chairman during the past six years.

Notes to Editors

The International Fund for Ireland is an international organisation established by the Irish and British Governments in 1986 with the objectives of promoting economic and social advance and of encouraging contact, dialogue and reconciliation between Unionists and Nationalists throughout Ireland. Contributors to the Fund have included the United States of America, the European Union, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Irish and UK Governments. Ms Anne Carr and Ms Anne Conaghan, who were Members of the previous Board, have been re- appointed for a further term.