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Terrorism: Northern Ireland

Asked by Claire HannaSocial Democratic & Labour PartyNorthern Ireland OfficeTabled Answered 20 April 2026UIN 125448

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, with reference to page four of the document entitled The Legacy of the Troubles: A Joint Framework between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of Ireland, published on 19 September 2025, what plans his Department has to consult with the public before delivering any statements of acknowledgement.

Answered by Hilary Benn

The Joint Framework acknowledges the important role that statements of acknowledgement can play in addressing past harms and facilitating societal reconciliation, and states that the UK and Irish governments will take the lead in considering such statements. The Framework also highlights the importance of statements of acknowledgement being forthcoming from others.

The Government will engage widely with victims, survivors and others affected by the Troubles as we take forward this and our other commitments under the Framework.

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