The UK and Irish governments are "close to announcing a framework" on legacy issues in Northern Ireland, according to Ireland's deputy premier. Simon Harris (Tanaiste) is expected to outline progress on the matter during remarks at the British-Irish Association conference in Oxford on Friday.
The development comes as both governments have engaged in a "root and branch" reform process of the controversial Legacy Act and the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery over the past year. While Labour has committed to repealing parts of the Act, it has decided to retain and reform the Commission.
Harris outlines framework requirements
Harris, who serves as Ireland's Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence, will tell conference attendees that any agreement must be based on promoting reconciliation, upholding the rule of law, addressing victims' suffering and facilitating justice and information recovery. He will stress that all reformed legacy mechanisms must comply with the European Convention on Human Rights.
The Irish government's position maintains that guarantees under the European Convention on Human Rights cannot be negotiated. This comes as Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has ordered a review into whether the UK should quit the ECHR, while Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has long supported leaving it.
Political reactions and criticism
Unionist politicians have criticised any move to allow the Irish government influence over ICRIR, stating that Dublin has not done enough to address legacy issues itself. Harris is anticipated to say that the Irish government will do "more" regarding its own obligations on addressing legacy in its jurisdiction.
Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn, among expected conference attendees, has already indicated the government is "close" to a fresh agreement on dealing with Troubles legacy. Benn discussed legacy issues with Stormont leaders on Thursday.
Call for broad support
First Minister Michelle O'Neill said there was a need to "unburden today's generation with yesterday", adding that any agreement must "command the biggest support possible". She emphasised the framework must comply with human rights standards and the Windsor Framework, which provides for no diminution of rights in Northern Ireland.
"Those are fundamentals. If we're going to be successful, I want us to get to the point where we have a package that actually allows us to deal with the past," O'Neill said. She added that it "remains to be seen what this looks like, but I believe that's going to become more clear in the weeks ahead."
Addressing paramilitarism
Harris will also tell the conference that paramilitarism must be tackled to resolve "unresolved wounds" of the Troubles. The two governments plan to jointly appoint an independent expert to determine whether a structured process on paramilitary group transition to disbandment should be established.
The British-Irish Association conference represents a major event aimed at promoting good relations between UK and Irish governments and helping build peace in Northern Ireland.
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
