Northern Ireland Office Legislation

4 statutory instruments made by the Northern Ireland Office, newest first. Each one is explained section by section in plain English.

The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 (Commencement No. 2 and Transitional Provisions) (Amendment) Regulations 2026

Published: Thu 30th Apr 26 Came into force: Thu 30th Apr 26

The Regulations extend the deadline for completing criminal investigations under the transitional provisions of the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 from April 2026 to October 2026.


These Regulations, made by the Secretary of State, amend the earlier 2024 Commencement Regulations concerning the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023, specifically extending the deadline for investigating bodies to prepare or complete their criminal investigation reports under the transitional provisions from April 30th, 2026, to October 31st, 2026.

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The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 (Commencement No. 2 and Transitional Provisions) (Amendment No. 2) Regulations 2025

Published: Mon 3rd Nov 25 Came into force: Fri 31st Oct 25

Legislation amended the transitional provisions deadline within the commencement regulations for the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023, pushing the cutoff date for certain criminal investigation processes from late 2025 to April 2026.


These Regulations, made by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland using powers under the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023, formally amend a previous commencement regulation (S.I. 2024/584).

Specifically, they extend the transitional deadline for investigating bodies to prepare or complete investigation reports or take subsequent actions from October 31, 2025, to April 30, 2026.

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The Justice and Security (Northern Ireland) Act 2007 (Extension of Duration of Non-jury Trial Provisions) Order 2025

Published: Tue 15th Jul 25 Came into force: Wed 16th Jul 25

The 2025 Order extended the duration of non-jury trial provisions in Northern Ireland until July 31, 2027.


This Order, made under the Justice and Security (Northern Ireland) Act 2007, extends the timeframe for non-jury trials in Northern Ireland until July 31, 2027.

The Order cites the Act's provision for the Secretary of State to extend the effective period of non-jury trials and notes that a draft was previously approved by Parliament.

The extension continues a practice established by several previous orders, each extending the period by two years.

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The Identity and Language (Northern Ireland) Act 2022 (Commencement) Regulations 2025

Sections 4 and 5 of the Identity and Language (Northern Ireland) Act 2022 were brought into force.


These regulations, enacted on February 25th, 2025, bring into force sections 4 and 5 of the Identity and Language (Northern Ireland) Act 2022.

Section 4 permits the use of languages other than English in legal proceedings, repealing the 1737 Act requiring English-only proceedings.

Section 5 mandates the Northern Ireland Department of Education to promote Ulster Scots in education.

The regulations apply only to Northern Ireland.

A full impact assessment was deemed unnecessary due to an expected lack of significant impact on the public, private, or voluntary sectors.

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