UK and Ireland statement: British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference Discusses Legacy and Security Issues
A meeting of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference (BIIGC) took place on April 24, 2025, at Hillsborough Castle. The conference brought together representatives from the UK Government and the Government of Ireland to discuss key issues, including legacy, security, and political stability.
UK and Irish Representation
The UK Government 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 Issues
The UK Government and the Government of Ireland acknowledged 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 commitment to working in partnership to make timely progress on this issue, ensuring that families can obtain the information and accountability they deserve.
Still on UK and Ireland statement
Progress on Legacy Issues
The two governments noted the substantive progress made since the last BIIGC on the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy & Reconciliation) Act 2023 and the Commission it established. They emphasized their aim to reach a joint, comprehensive approach to legacy issues consistent with the principles of the Stormont House Agreement.
Key Issues for a Joint Approach
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 practical independence
– The approach to legacy inquests and information retrieval
– Clear reciprocal commitments by both governments
Commitment to Repeal and Replace Legacy Act
The UK Government remains committed to introducing legislation to repeal and replace the Legacy Act when parliamentary time allows. The Government of Ireland will introduce its own legislation as necessary. Both governments emphasized that securing the confidence of victims, survivors, and families will remain at the heart of their work.
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 and took stock of recent developments, including US tariff measures.
Security Update
The governments discussed the current security situation, including the Northern Ireland-related terrorism (NIRT) threat. They noted that the NIRT threat level remains unchanged at SUBSTANTIAL, thanks to the work being done by agencies on both sides of the border. Cross-border cooperation remains vital in tackling the terrorist threat and wider harms.
Independent Expert Appointment
The governments discussed the process underway 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 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 and noted the importance of continued engagement with all stakeholders to ensure the UK ETA scheme operates smoothly.
Future Meetings
The governments agreed that the Conference would meet again in the coming months, demonstrating their ongoing commitment to cooperation and progress on key issues.
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