Congressman Mike Lawler Releases Statement on Joint UK-Ireland Legacy Framework

Pearl River - 9/20/25… Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) released the following statement after the UK and Irish governments announced a new Joint Framework to address the legacy of the Troubles in Northern Ireland. The updated agreement repeals many provisions of the 2023 Legacy and Reconciliation Act, restoring inquest and civil processes, removing immunity provisions, strengthening oversight, and enhancing victims' participation.

"Even prior to its passage at Westminster, I had called the 2023 Legacy Act a grave injustice - one that granted conditional immunity for serious crimes, shut down historical investigations and inquests, and blocked civil redress for victims. I welcome this new agreement that took into consideration many of the problems with the Legacy bill," said Congressman Lawler.

Congressman Lawler notes several key improvements, including:

• Removal of immunity provisions, restoring access to justice for victims of the Troubles.
• Reinstatement of inquests and complete investigations under UK legal standards, ensuring families receive truth, not silence.
• Stronger oversight, including independent governance, conflict-of-interest safeguards, and advisory roles for victims and survivors.
• Greater transparency, with stricter rules for withholding information and new rights of appeal.
• Enhanced cross-border cooperation to ensure justice is meaningful and not fragmented.

Congressman Lawler notes that while progress has been made, proof of these reforms will be in the implementation. Congressman Lawler is committed to working with both sides to ensure the effective implementation of policies that take each and every family into account.

"I applaud Ireland and the UK for taking this next step. If fully delivered, these reforms may go a long way toward justice, reconciliation, and restoring trust for families still mourning, for veterans who served, and for all who seek truth over cover-ups. I will continue to stand with victims, their families, and advocates to ensure this framework not only looks good on paper but delivers real accountability in practice," Congressman Lawler concluded.

Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.

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