{"id":30435,"date":"2026-08-16T12:27:15","date_gmt":"2026-08-16T12:27:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/?p=30435"},"modified":"2026-08-16T12:37:47","modified_gmt":"2026-08-16T12:37:47","slug":"dillon-mcevoy-hughes-mcmanus-2026-uksc-15-windsor-framework","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/dillon-mcevoy-hughes-mcmanus-2026-uksc-15-windsor-framework\/","title":{"rendered":"Dillon, McEvoy, Hughes &amp; McManus [2026] UKSC 15: Windsor Framework &amp; Northern Ireland Legacy Act"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h1 id=\"h-dillon-mcevoy-hughes-amp-mcmanus-2026-uksc-15-supreme-court-clarifies-the-windsor-framework-eu-rights-and-the-legacy-of-the-troubles\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Dillon_McEvoy_Hughes_McManus_2026_UKSC_15_Supreme_Court_Clarifies_the_Windsor_Framework_EU_Rights_and_the_Legacy_of_the_Troubles\"><\/span>Dillon, McEvoy, Hughes &amp; McManus [2026] UKSC 15: Supreme Court Clarifies the Windsor Framework, EU Rights, and the Legacy of the Troubles<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Citation:<\/strong> In the matter of an application by Martina Dillon, John McEvoy, Brigid Hughes, and Lynda McManus for Judicial Review (Respondents); In the matter of an application by Martina Dillon, John McEvoy, Brigid Hughes, and Lynda McManus for Judicial Review (Appellants) No 2 [2026] UKSC 15, on appeal from [2024] NICA 59, Supreme Court of the United Kingdom, judgment dated 7 May 2026.<\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_86 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #0c0c0c;color:#0c0c0c\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #0c0c0c;color:#0c0c0c\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/dillon-mcevoy-hughes-mcmanus-2026-uksc-15-windsor-framework\/#Dillon_McEvoy_Hughes_McManus_2026_UKSC_15_Supreme_Court_Clarifies_the_Windsor_Framework_EU_Rights_and_the_Legacy_of_the_Troubles\" >Dillon, McEvoy, Hughes &amp; McManus [2026] UKSC 15: Supreme Court Clarifies the Windsor Framework, EU Rights, and the Legacy of the Troubles<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-2' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/dillon-mcevoy-hughes-mcmanus-2026-uksc-15-windsor-framework\/#Introduction\" >Introduction<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/dillon-mcevoy-hughes-mcmanus-2026-uksc-15-windsor-framework\/#1_Background_The_Troubles_and_the_Search_for_a_Legacy_Framework\" >1. Background: The Troubles and the Search for a Legacy Framework<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/dillon-mcevoy-hughes-mcmanus-2026-uksc-15-windsor-framework\/#2_What_Did_the_Northern_Ireland_Troubles_Legacy_and_Reconciliation_Act_2023_Do\" >2. What Did the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 Do?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/dillon-mcevoy-hughes-mcmanus-2026-uksc-15-windsor-framework\/#3_The_Applicants_and_Their_Personal_Connection_to_the_Litigation\" >3. The Applicants and Their Personal Connection to the Litigation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/dillon-mcevoy-hughes-mcmanus-2026-uksc-15-windsor-framework\/#4_The_Principal_Legal_Questions_Before_the_Supreme_Court\" >4. The Principal Legal Questions Before the Supreme Court<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/dillon-mcevoy-hughes-mcmanus-2026-uksc-15-windsor-framework\/#5_Article_21_of_the_Windsor_Framework\" >5. Article 2(1) of the Windsor Framework<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/dillon-mcevoy-hughes-mcmanus-2026-uksc-15-windsor-framework\/#The_Supreme_Courts_Three-Stage_Approach\" >The Supreme Court&#8217;s Three-Stage Approach<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/dillon-mcevoy-hughes-mcmanus-2026-uksc-15-windsor-framework\/#Stage_1\" >Stage 1<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/dillon-mcevoy-hughes-mcmanus-2026-uksc-15-windsor-framework\/#Stage_2\" >Stage 2<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/dillon-mcevoy-hughes-mcmanus-2026-uksc-15-windsor-framework\/#Stage_3\" >Stage 3<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/dillon-mcevoy-hughes-mcmanus-2026-uksc-15-windsor-framework\/#7_Direct_Effect_A_Crucial_Constitutional_Holding\" >7. Direct Effect: A Crucial Constitutional Holding<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/dillon-mcevoy-hughes-mcmanus-2026-uksc-15-windsor-framework\/#8_The_EU_Victims_Directive\" >8. The EU Victims Directive<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/dillon-mcevoy-hughes-mcmanus-2026-uksc-15-windsor-framework\/#9_No_Impermissible_Diminution_Caused_by_Brexit\" >9. No Impermissible Diminution Caused by Brexit<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/dillon-mcevoy-hughes-mcmanus-2026-uksc-15-windsor-framework\/#10_The_EU_Charter_of_Fundamental_Rights\" >10. The EU Charter of Fundamental Rights<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/dillon-mcevoy-hughes-mcmanus-2026-uksc-15-windsor-framework\/#11_Why_the_Charter_Could_Not_Be_Used_as_a_Free-Standing_Right\" >11. Why the Charter Could Not Be Used as a Free-Standing Right<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/dillon-mcevoy-hughes-mcmanus-2026-uksc-15-windsor-framework\/#12_The_Human_Rights_Act_and_the_European_Convention_on_Human_Rights\" >12. The Human Rights Act and the European Convention on Human Rights<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/dillon-mcevoy-hughes-mcmanus-2026-uksc-15-windsor-framework\/#13_The_Importance_of_the_%E2%80%9CAll_or_Almost_All_Cases%E2%80%9D_Test\" >13. The Importance of the \u201cAll or Almost All Cases\u201d Test<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/dillon-mcevoy-hughes-mcmanus-2026-uksc-15-windsor-framework\/#14_Legal_Aid_for_Victims_and_Next_of_Kin\" >14. Legal Aid for Victims and Next of Kin<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/dillon-mcevoy-hughes-mcmanus-2026-uksc-15-windsor-framework\/#15_Disclosure_and_the_Role_of_the_Secretary_of_State\" >15. Disclosure and the Role of the Secretary of State<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/dillon-mcevoy-hughes-mcmanus-2026-uksc-15-windsor-framework\/#The_ICRIR_Was_Not_Declared_Structurally_Ineffective\" >The ICRIR Was Not Declared Structurally Ineffective<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/dillon-mcevoy-hughes-mcmanus-2026-uksc-15-windsor-framework\/#17_The_Controversial_Immunity_Provisions\" >17. The Controversial Immunity Provisions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/dillon-mcevoy-hughes-mcmanus-2026-uksc-15-windsor-framework\/#18_The_Strasbourg_Position_on_Amnesties_and_Reconciliation\" >18. The Strasbourg Position on Amnesties and Reconciliation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/dillon-mcevoy-hughes-mcmanus-2026-uksc-15-windsor-framework\/#19_The_%E2%80%9CMirror_Principle%E2%80%9D_and_the_Role_of_UK_Courts\" >19. The \u201cMirror Principle\u201d and the Role of UK Courts<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/dillon-mcevoy-hughes-mcmanus-2026-uksc-15-windsor-framework\/#20_The_Final_Decision\" >20. The Final Decision<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/dillon-mcevoy-hughes-mcmanus-2026-uksc-15-windsor-framework\/#21_Why_Dillon_McEvoy_Hughes_McManus_2026_UKSC_15_Is_a_Landmark_Judgment\" >21. Why Dillon, McEvoy, Hughes &amp; McManus [2026] UKSC 15 Is a Landmark Judgment<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/dillon-mcevoy-hughes-mcmanus-2026-uksc-15-windsor-framework\/#First_It_Defines_the_Post-Brexit_Constitutional_Role_of_the_Windsor_Framework\" >First: It Defines the Post-Brexit Constitutional Role of the Windsor Framework<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-28\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/dillon-mcevoy-hughes-mcmanus-2026-uksc-15-windsor-framework\/#Second_It_Places_Limits_on_the_Domestic_Reach_of_the_EU_Charter\" >Second: It Places Limits on the Domestic Reach of the EU Charter<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-29\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/dillon-mcevoy-hughes-mcmanus-2026-uksc-15-windsor-framework\/#Third_It_Clarifies_the_%E2%80%9CNo_Diminution%E2%80%9D_Principle\" >Third: It Clarifies the \u201cNo Diminution\u201d Principle<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-30\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/dillon-mcevoy-hughes-mcmanus-2026-uksc-15-windsor-framework\/#Fourth_It_Reinforces_the_Importance_of_Case-Specific_Judicial_Review\" >Fourth: It Reinforces the Importance of Case-Specific Judicial Review<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-31\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/dillon-mcevoy-hughes-mcmanus-2026-uksc-15-windsor-framework\/#Fifth_It_Highlights_the_Constitutional_Significance_of_National_Security\" >Fifth: It Highlights the Constitutional Significance of National Security<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-32\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/dillon-mcevoy-hughes-mcmanus-2026-uksc-15-windsor-framework\/#Sixth_It_Exposes_the_Continuing_Tension_Between_Reconciliation_and_Accountability\" >Sixth: It Exposes the Continuing Tension Between Reconciliation and Accountability<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-33\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/dillon-mcevoy-hughes-mcmanus-2026-uksc-15-windsor-framework\/#22_Significance_for_Northern_Ireland_Constitutional_Law\" >22. Significance for Northern Ireland Constitutional Law<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-34\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/dillon-mcevoy-hughes-mcmanus-2026-uksc-15-windsor-framework\/#23_Significance_for_UK_Constitutional_Law_After_Brexit\" >23. Significance for UK Constitutional Law After Brexit<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-35\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/dillon-mcevoy-hughes-mcmanus-2026-uksc-15-windsor-framework\/#24_The_Significance_for_Victims_of_the_Troubles\" >24. The Significance for Victims of the Troubles<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-36\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/dillon-mcevoy-hughes-mcmanus-2026-uksc-15-windsor-framework\/#25_A_Wider_Lesson_for_Public_Law\" >25. A Wider Lesson for Public Law<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-37\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/dillon-mcevoy-hughes-mcmanus-2026-uksc-15-windsor-framework\/#26_What_the_Judgment_Does_Not_Mean\" >26. What the Judgment Does Not Mean<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-38\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/dillon-mcevoy-hughes-mcmanus-2026-uksc-15-windsor-framework\/#It_Does_Not_Mean_That_the_Windsor_Framework_Is_Legally_Irrelevant\" >It Does Not Mean That the Windsor Framework Is Legally Irrelevant<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-39\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/dillon-mcevoy-hughes-mcmanus-2026-uksc-15-windsor-framework\/#It_Does_Not_Mean_That_the_EU_Charter_Has_Disappeared_Completely_from_Northern_Ireland_Law\" >It Does Not Mean That the EU Charter Has Disappeared Completely from Northern Ireland Law<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-40\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/dillon-mcevoy-hughes-mcmanus-2026-uksc-15-windsor-framework\/#It_Does_Not_Mean_That_the_ICRIR_Can_Never_Conduct_an_Unlawful_Investigation\" >It Does Not Mean That the ICRIR Can Never Conduct an Unlawful Investigation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-41\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/dillon-mcevoy-hughes-mcmanus-2026-uksc-15-windsor-framework\/#It_Does_Not_Mean_That_the_Supreme_Court_Approved_Every_Aspect_of_the_Immunity_Regime\" >It Does Not Mean That the Supreme Court Approved Every Aspect of the Immunity Regime<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-42\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/dillon-mcevoy-hughes-mcmanus-2026-uksc-15-windsor-framework\/#It_Does_Not_Mean_That_Victims_Have_No_Legal_Remedies\" >It Does Not Mean That Victims Have No Legal Remedies<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-43\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/dillon-mcevoy-hughes-mcmanus-2026-uksc-15-windsor-framework\/#Conclusion\" >Conclusion<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-44\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/dillon-mcevoy-hughes-mcmanus-2026-uksc-15-windsor-framework\/#FAQs_on_Dillon_McEvoy_Hughes_McManus_2026_UKSC_15\" >FAQs on Dillon, McEvoy, Hughes &amp; McManus [2026] UKSC 15<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-45\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/dillon-mcevoy-hughes-mcmanus-2026-uksc-15-windsor-framework\/#1_What_is_the_significance_of_Dillon_McEvoy_Hughes_McManus_2026_UKSC_15\" >1. What is the significance of Dillon, McEvoy, Hughes &amp; McManus [2026] UKSC 15?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-46\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/dillon-mcevoy-hughes-mcmanus-2026-uksc-15-windsor-framework\/#2_What_did_the_UK_Supreme_Court_decide_about_Article_2_of_the_Windsor_Framework_in_2026_UKSC_15\" >2. What did the UK Supreme Court decide about Article 2 of the Windsor Framework in [2026] UKSC 15?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-47\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/dillon-mcevoy-hughes-mcmanus-2026-uksc-15-windsor-framework\/#3_Did_the_Supreme_Court_rule_that_the_EU_Charter_of_Fundamental_Rights_applies_to_the_Northern_Ireland_Troubles_Legacy_Act\" >3. Did the Supreme Court rule that the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights applies to the Northern Ireland Troubles Legacy Act?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-48\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/dillon-mcevoy-hughes-mcmanus-2026-uksc-15-windsor-framework\/#4_What_did_2026_UKSC_15_say_about_victims_rights_and_investigations_into_Troubles-related_deaths\" >4. What did [2026] UKSC 15 say about victims&#8217; rights and investigations into Troubles-related deaths?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-49\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/dillon-mcevoy-hughes-mcmanus-2026-uksc-15-windsor-framework\/#5_Why_is_Dillon_McEvoy_Hughes_McManus_2026_UKSC_15_a_landmark_post-Brexit_constitutional_judgment\" >5. Why is Dillon, McEvoy, Hughes &amp; McManus [2026] UKSC 15 a landmark post-Brexit constitutional judgment?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-50\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/dillon-mcevoy-hughes-mcmanus-2026-uksc-15-windsor-framework\/#Key_Takeaways_Dillon_McEvoy_Hughes_McManus_2026_UKSC_15\" >Key Takeaways: Dillon, McEvoy, Hughes &amp; McManus [2026] UKSC 15<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-51\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/dillon-mcevoy-hughes-mcmanus-2026-uksc-15-windsor-framework\/#Key_Legal_Takeaways\" >Key Legal Takeaways<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-52\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/dillon-mcevoy-hughes-mcmanus-2026-uksc-15-windsor-framework\/#Why_This_Judgment_Matters\" >Why This Judgment Matters<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-53\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/dillon-mcevoy-hughes-mcmanus-2026-uksc-15-windsor-framework\/#Summary\" >Summary<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-54\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/dillon-mcevoy-hughes-mcmanus-2026-uksc-15-windsor-framework\/#Lawyers_in_the_United_Kingdom\" >Lawyers in the United Kingdom<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-introduction\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Introduction\"><\/span>Introduction<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The judgment of the United Kingdom Supreme Court in Dillon, McEvoy, Hughes &amp; McManus [2026] UKSC 15 is one of the most constitutionally significant Northern Ireland cases decided in the post-Brexit era.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At its heart, the case concerns a difficult question: how far can Parliament legislate to deal with the legacy of the Troubles when that legislation intersects with the rights protected by the Windsor Framework, retained EU-related rights, and the European Convention on Human Rights?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The litigation arose from challenges to the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 (\u201cthe 2023 Act\u201d). The legislation created the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR), introduced a conditional immunity scheme for certain troubles-related offenses, restricted criminal investigations and prosecutions, brought an end to certain inquests and police investigations, and altered the availability of certain civil proceedings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The applicants\u2014Martina Dillon, John McEvoy, Brigid Hughes, and Lynda McManus\u2014were themselves victims or relatives of victims of Troubles-related violence. Their challenge therefore raised not merely abstract questions of constitutional law but profound questions about the rights of victims, accountability, and truth and reconciliation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Supreme Court unanimously allowed the Secretary of State&#8217;s appeal on the Windsor Framework issues and on the challenge concerning the ICRIR&#8217;s arrangements for next-of-kin involvement and disclosure. It also dismissed the applicants&#8217; cross-appeal concerning the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The judgment is particularly important because it explains the precise circumstances in which Article 2(1) of the Windsor Framework can be relied upon in domestic courts, and it confirms that the EU Charter cannot simply be invoked as a free-standing source of rights outside the scope of EU law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-1-background-the-troubles-and-the-search-for-a-legacy-framework\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Background_The_Troubles_and_the_Search_for_a_Legacy_Framework\"><\/span>1. Background: The Troubles and the Search for a Legacy Framework<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Troubles were a prolonged period of political and communal conflict in Northern Ireland. The Supreme Court noted that more than 3,500 people were killed, approximately 40,000 were injured, and around 1,200 killings remained unsolved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Belfast\/Good Friday Agreement of 10 April 1998 provided the principal political framework for ending the conflict and establishing institutions based upon democratic and peaceful methods of resolving constitutional and political differences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, the Agreement did not itself provide a complete mechanism for dealing with the enormous legacy of deaths, injuries, disappearances, allegations of state involvement, criminal investigations, inquests, and unresolved claims.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Over subsequent decades, several initiatives attempted to address the legacy issue, including the Eames\/Bradley proposals, the Stormont House Agreement, and the New Decade, New Approach arrangements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Eventually, the UK Parliament enacted the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023, which received Royal Assent on 18 September 2023.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The legislation represented a fundamental change in the way legacy cases were to be handled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Also Read: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalservicesindia.com\/bahrain-v-shehabi-2026-uksc-25-state-immunity-spyware\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Bahrain v Shehabi [2026] UKSC 25: UK Supreme Court Landmark Ruling on State Immunity and Spyware<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-2-what-did-the-northern-ireland-troubles-legacy-and-reconciliation-act-2023-do\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_What_Did_the_Northern_Ireland_Troubles_Legacy_and_Reconciliation_Act_2023_Do\"><\/span>2. What Did the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 Do?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The 2023 Act established the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery, commonly known as the ICRIR.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Among other things, the ICRIR was empowered to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>review deaths caused by conduct forming part of the Troubles;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>review other harmful conduct;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>produce final reports;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Consider applications for immunity from prosecution;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>refer certain matters to prosecutors;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>maintain a historical record of deaths; and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>exercise significant investigative powers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Act also transferred substantial responsibility for legacy investigations away from ordinary policing and other existing mechanisms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The most controversial feature was undoubtedly the conditional immunity regime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Under section 19, a person could obtain immunity from prosecution for qualifying troubles-related offenses where the statutory conditions were satisfied, particularly the requirement to provide a truthful account of the person&#8217;s conduct to the best of their knowledge and belief.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This raised an obvious and difficult question:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Can a state promote reconciliation by limiting the possibility of prosecution for serious historic crimes, and if so, where is the constitutional and human rights boundary?<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That question formed an important part of the litigation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-3-the-applicants-and-their-personal-connection-to-the-litigation\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_The_Applicants_and_Their_Personal_Connection_to_the_Litigation\"><\/span>3. The Applicants and Their Personal Connection to the Litigation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Supreme Court was careful to recognize that this was not an ordinary constitutional challenge brought by persons unaffected by the legislation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Martina Dillon&#8217;s husband, Seamus Dillon, was shot and killed in 1997. John McEvoy was seriously injured in a 1992 loyalist paramilitary attack. Brigid Hughes&#8217; husband, Anthony Hughes, was killed by members of the security forces in 1987. Lynda McManus was affected by a sectarian gun attack in which her father was severely injured.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The applicants therefore had a direct and deeply personal interest in whether investigations, inquests, prosecutions, and civil remedies would continue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The case consequently brought together two competing but legitimate concerns:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>the State&#8217;s interest in creating a workable framework for reconciliation and dealing with the legacy of the conflict; and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the victims&#8217; interest in truth, accountability, effective investigation, and access to justice.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Supreme Court&#8217;s judgment has to be understood against that background.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-4-the-principal-legal-questions-before-the-supreme-court\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_The_Principal_Legal_Questions_Before_the_Supreme_Court\"><\/span>4. The Principal Legal Questions Before the Supreme Court<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The case raised several interconnected legal questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Broadly, the Supreme Court had to consider:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Issue<\/th><th>Legal Question<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>A. The Windsor Framework<\/strong><\/td><td>Did the 2023 Act diminish rights protected by Article 2(1) of the Windsor Framework, particularly rights derived from EU law?<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>B. Direct Effect<\/strong><\/td><td>Could Article 2(1) of the Windsor Framework be relied upon directly by individuals before domestic courts?<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>C. EU Victims Directive<\/strong><\/td><td>Did provisions of the 2023 Act unlawfully diminish rights contained in the EU Victims Directive, particularly Articles 11 and 16?<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>D. EU Charter of Fundamental Rights<\/strong><\/td><td>Could the Charter provide an independent basis for challenging UK legislation?<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>E. European Convention on Human Rights<\/strong><\/td><td>Were the arrangements for investigations, next-of-kin participation, and disclosure compatible with Articles 2 and 3 of the Convention?<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>F. ICRIR<\/strong><\/td><td>Was the statutory structure of the ICRIR sufficiently capable of providing effective investigations in accordance with the Convention?<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Supreme Court approached these issues separately rather than treating Brexit law, human rights law, and Northern Ireland constitutional law as interchangeable concepts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-5-article-2-1-of-the-windsor-framework\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Article_21_of_the_Windsor_Framework\"><\/span>5. Article 2(1) of the Windsor Framework<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The starting point for the most important constitutional issue was Article 2(1) of the Windsor Framework.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It provides, in substance, that the United Kingdom must ensure that there is no diminution of rights, safeguards, or equality of opportunity as set out in the relevant part of the Belfast Agreement as a result of the UK&#8217;s withdrawal from the European Union.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This provision is constitutionally unusual.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The United Kingdom had left the EU, but the Withdrawal Agreement and Windsor Framework created specific continuing legal obligations concerning Northern Ireland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The applicants argued that the 2023 Act removed or diminished rights that had previously been supported by EU law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Supreme Court therefore had to determine how far Article 2 extends and, critically, what sort of EU rights can come within its protection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-the-supreme-court-s-three-stage-approach\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Supreme_Courts_Three-Stage_Approach\"><\/span>The Supreme Court&#8217;s Three-Stage Approach<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Court explained that the Windsor Framework issue could conveniently be analyzed through three questions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-stage-1\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Stage_1\"><\/span>Stage 1<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Does Article 2(1) have direct effect so that individuals can rely upon it in domestic courts?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-stage-2\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Stage_2\"><\/span>Stage 2<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If it does, has there actually been a diminution of a protected right because of the UK&#8217;s withdrawal from the EU?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-stage-3\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Stage_3\"><\/span>Stage 3<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If there has been such a diminution, must the relevant provision of the 2023 Act be disapplied?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Court adopted this structured approach because the consequences of Article 2 are potentially constitutionally profound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-7-direct-effect-a-crucial-constitutional-holding\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_Direct_Effect_A_Crucial_Constitutional_Holding\"><\/span>7. Direct Effect: A Crucial Constitutional Holding<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the most important aspects of <strong>Dillon, McEvoy, Hughes &amp; McManus [2026] UKSC 15<\/strong> concerns <strong>direct effect<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Court held that the relevant provisions of the Rights, Safeguards, and Equality of Opportunity chapter of the Belfast Agreement, relied upon by the applicants, were expressed at too high a level of generality to themselves create directly enforceable rights concerning matters such as prosecutions, inquests, or civil proceedings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Supreme Court emphasized that the language referring to civil rights, the suffering of victims, and the right to remember was not sufficiently precise to create directly enforceable rights of that kind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This <strong>does not<\/strong>, however, mean that Article 2 of the Windsor Framework is legally irrelevant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Court accepted that Article 2(1) <strong>may have direct effect when read together with an appropriate EU law instrument<\/strong>, provided the requirements of EU law concerning direct effect are satisfied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That distinction is extremely important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The judgment therefore does not eliminate Article 2(1) as a judicially enforceable constitutional safeguard. Instead, it places considerable emphasis upon identifying the precise EU law right said to have been protected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-8-the-eu-victims-directive\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8_The_EU_Victims_Directive\"><\/span>8. The EU Victims Directive<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The applicants relied particularly upon <strong>Articles 11 and 16 of Directive 2012\/29\/EU<\/strong>, commonly referred to as the Victims Directive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Article 11 concerns victims&#8217; rights in circumstances where a decision is taken not to prosecute.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Article 16 concerns a victim&#8217;s right to obtain a decision on compensation from an offender in criminal proceedings, subject to the terms of national law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The argument was straightforward in principle:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If those rights were protected before Brexit and the 2023 Act subsequently removed practical routes to prosecution or compensation, could that amount to an unlawful diminution of rights under Article 2(1) of the Windsor Framework?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Supreme Court answered <strong>no on the facts and legal framework of this case<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-9-no-impermissible-diminution-caused-by-brexit\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"9_No_Impermissible_Diminution_Caused_by_Brexit\"><\/span>9. No Impermissible Diminution Caused by Brexit<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Court drew an important distinction between:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>a change in rights caused by Brexit<\/strong>, and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>a change in domestic law that happens to occur after Brexit.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Article 2(1) is directed at diminution resulting <strong>from the UK&#8217;s withdrawal from the EU<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The applicants therefore had to establish more than the proposition that the 2023 Act reduced certain legal remedies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They had to establish that a protected EU-derived right had been diminished in a way that would have been impermissible had the United Kingdom remained a member of the European Union.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Court concluded that they had not established that proposition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Supreme Court held that the Victims Directive was directed towards participation in individual criminal proceedings and was <strong>not itself the source of a general right for every victim to have an offender prosecuted<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is a subtle but important point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A victim&#8217;s rights under EU law cannot automatically be transformed into a general constitutional right to insist upon prosecution of an alleged offender.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-10-the-eu-charter-of-fundamental-rights\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"10_The_EU_Charter_of_Fundamental_Rights\"><\/span>10. The EU Charter of Fundamental Rights<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The applicants also relied upon Articles 2, 4, and 47 of the <strong>EU Charter of Fundamental Rights<\/strong>, corresponding broadly to rights concerning life, the prohibition of torture and inhuman or degrading treatment, and effective judicial protection\/fair trial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Supreme Court rejected this argument.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The reason is fundamental to the operation of EU law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Charter is not a general, free-standing human rights code applicable whenever an EU-related subject matter happens to arise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Article 51 of the Charter confines its application to situations falling within its field of application, particularly where Member States are <strong>implementing Union law<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Court described the requirement as an EU-law &#8220;anchor.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In other words, there must be an identifiable EU-law provision that brings the matter within the scope of the Charter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-11-why-the-charter-could-not-be-used-as-a-free-standing-right\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"11_Why_the_Charter_Could_Not_Be_Used_as_a_Free-Standing_Right\"><\/span>11. Why the Charter Could Not Be Used as a Free-Standing Right<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This part of the judgment has wider constitutional significance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Supreme Court was concerned that accepting the applicants&#8217; argument would effectively transform the Charter into an independent source of constitutional rights capable of disapplying Acts of the Westminster Parliament whenever the subject matter could broadly be associated with EU competence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Court considered that such an approach would have enormous constitutional consequences and would require very clear legal foundations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Court therefore reaffirmed the principle that <strong>EU fundamental rights require an appropriate EU-law connection<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The mere fact that an issue falls within an area in which the EU possesses competence is not enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There must be actual implementation or application of EU law sufficient to bring the Charter into operation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Court concluded that the required EU-law anchor was absent in the relevant circumstances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The applicants&#8217; cross-appeal was therefore dismissed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-12-the-human-rights-act-and-the-european-convention-on-human-rights\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"12_The_Human_Rights_Act_and_the_European_Convention_on_Human_Rights\"><\/span>12. The Human Rights Act and the European Convention on Human Rights<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Windsor Framework issue must be distinguished from the Convention issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The applicants also relied upon the <strong>European Convention on Human Rights<\/strong>, particularly Articles 2 and 3.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Article 2 protects the right to life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Article 3 prohibits torture and inhuman or degrading treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The procedural obligations under these provisions can require the State to conduct an effective official investigation into deaths caused by the use of force and, in appropriate circumstances, allegations of serious ill-treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Supreme Court reaffirmed that an effective investigation involves consideration of several interconnected factors, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>adequacy of investigative measures;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>promptness;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>involvement of the deceased person&#8217;s family; and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>independence of the investigation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Court stressed, however, that these factors must be assessed <strong>collectively<\/strong> rather than through a mechanical checklist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-13-the-importance-of-the-all-or-almost-all-cases-test\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"13_The_Importance_of_the_%E2%80%9CAll_or_Almost_All_Cases%E2%80%9D_Test\"><\/span>13. The Importance of the \u201cAll or Almost All Cases\u201d Test<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A particularly important procedural aspect of the judgment concerns the nature of the applicants&#8217; challenge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The challenge to the ICRIR was an <strong>ante challenge<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That means that the applicants were challenging the statutory scheme prospectively, rather than demonstrating that a completed investigation in an individual case had actually failed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Supreme Court held that such a challenge faces a high threshold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The applicants had to demonstrate that the statutory scheme would result in an ineffective investigation in <strong>\u201call or almost all cases.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is a significant judicial-review principle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It prevents a court from striking down or declaring an entire statutory investigative scheme unlawful merely because there may be circumstances in which the scheme operates inadequately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An investigation under the ICRIR must ultimately be assessed in its factual context.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-14-legal-aid-for-victims-and-next-of-kin\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"14_Legal_Aid_for_Victims_and_Next_of_Kin\"><\/span>14. Legal Aid for Victims and Next of Kin<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Court also considered the absence of a specific statutory provision for legal aid for next of kin participating in ICRIR reviews.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Court of Appeal had considered the lack of legal aid problematic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Supreme Court, however, held that the Convention does not establish a universal rule that legal representation or legal aid must be provided in every Article 2 or Article 3 investigation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whether legal assistance is necessary depends upon the circumstances and nature of the particular investigation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Court distinguished an adversarial inquest from the inquisitorial structure of the ICRIR.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This distinction is important because <strong>Article 2 does not prescribe one single procedural model for every investigation<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Convention establishes minimum standards of effectiveness; it does not necessarily require every state to reproduce the procedural structure of a courtroom trial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-15-disclosure-and-the-role-of-the-secretary-of-state\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"15_Disclosure_and_the_Role_of_the_Secretary_of_State\"><\/span>15. Disclosure and the Role of the Secretary of State<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Another significant issue concerned disclosure of sensitive information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Under the 2023 Act, information and documents are supplied to the ICRIR, but certain sensitive information may be withheld from disclosure where national security interests are at risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Court of Appeal had regarded the Secretary of State&#8217;s role as effectively creating a veto over disclosure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Supreme Court rejected that characterization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It held that the Secretary of State&#8217;s power was subject to ordinary public-law principles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In particular, the Secretary of State must properly assess national security concerns and must also take into account the public interest in the administration of justice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Court concluded that a <strong>Wiley balancing exercise<\/strong> was required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is constitutionally significant because it means that national security does not automatically end the judicial inquiry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A disclosure decision remains susceptible to <strong>judicial review<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Court expressly stated that the courts ultimately retain the power to quash an unlawful decision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-the-icrir-was-not-declared-structurally-ineffective\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_ICRIR_Was_Not_Declared_Structurally_Ineffective\"><\/span>The ICRIR Was Not Declared Structurally Ineffective<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Supreme Court emphasized the extensive powers given to the ICRIR.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These include powers to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>obtain documents and information;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>require persons to provide information;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>require production of documents;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>conduct reviews;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>prepare final reports;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>refer matters to prosecutors;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>exercise investigative powers; and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>access to material held by public authorities.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Court therefore rejected the argument that the legislative framework could be said in advance to produce ineffective investigations in virtually every case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whether an individual investigation ultimately satisfies Article 2 or Article 3 will depend upon how the ICRIR actually conducts that investigation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This leaves open an important avenue for <strong>case-specific judicial review<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-17-the-controversial-immunity-provisions\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"17_The_Controversial_Immunity_Provisions\"><\/span>17. The Controversial Immunity Provisions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The conditional immunity provisions remain perhaps the most politically and human-rights-sensitive aspect of the legislation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The High Court had held that the immunity provisions were incompatible with Articles 2 and 3 of the Convention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, the Secretary of State subsequently abandoned his appeal against those declarations in the Court of Appeal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Supreme Court therefore did <strong>not<\/strong> overturn those declarations through the Secretary of State&#8217;s appeal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Instead, it explained the Strasbourg jurisprudence concerning amnesties and immunities because the issue could potentially arise in subsequent proceedings, including before the European Court of Human Rights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This procedural point must not be overlooked when reporting the judgment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It would be inaccurate to state simply that the Supreme Court \u201cupheld the immunity provisions as Convention-compliant.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It did not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-18-the-strasbourg-position-on-amnesties-and-reconciliation\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"18_The_Strasbourg_Position_on_Amnesties_and_Reconciliation\"><\/span>18. The Strasbourg Position on Amnesties and Reconciliation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Supreme Court examined cases including <strong>Dujardin v. France<\/strong>, <strong>Tarbuk v. Croatia<\/strong>, <strong>Ould Dah v. France,<\/strong> and <strong>Margu\u0161 v. Croatia<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Court identified a general principle in Strasbourg jurisprudence that serious violations of Articles 2 and 3 should not ordinarily escape accountability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At the same time, the jurisprudence leaves open the possibility that there may be exceptional circumstances involving reconciliation processes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But, importantly, the Supreme Court concluded that Strasbourg had <strong>not actually established a general \u201creconciliation exception\u201d<\/strong> permitting states to immunize perpetrators of grave human rights violations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That is a highly significant observation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Court noted that in <strong>Margu\u0161<\/strong>, the Strasbourg court had considered the possibility of amnesties in reconciliation contexts but had not endorsed a general reconciliation exception.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Supreme Court therefore declined to create such an exception domestically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-19-the-mirror-principle-and-the-role-of-uk-courts\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"19_The_%E2%80%9CMirror_Principle%E2%80%9D_and_the_Role_of_UK_Courts\"><\/span>19. The \u201cMirror Principle\u201d and the Role of UK Courts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Supreme Court also considered the relationship between domestic courts and Strasbourg jurisprudence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Court referred to the established approach under <strong>R (Ullah) v Special Adjudicator [2004] UKHL 26<\/strong>, under which UK courts ordinarily follow clear and constant Strasbourg jurisprudence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Supreme Court explained that domestic courts may anticipate how Strasbourg might decide a new issue, but they should not simply invent an entirely new principle of Convention law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Applying that approach, the Court held that there was insufficient Strasbourg authority to establish a general reconciliation exception for amnesties involving grave breaches of Articles 2 and 3.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This aspect of <strong>Dillon [2026] UKSC 15<\/strong> is likely to be important in future litigation concerning transitional justice, amnesty, and accountability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-20-the-final-decision\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"20_The_Final_Decision\"><\/span>20. The Final Decision<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Supreme Court was unanimous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Court:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>allowed the Secretary of State&#8217;s appeal concerning the Windsor Framework;<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>allowed the Secretary of State&#8217;s appeal concerning the ICRIR next-of-kin involvement and disclosure issues;<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>dismissed the applicants&#8217; cross-appeal concerning the EU Charter;<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>set aside the relevant declarations made by the Court of Appeal and High Court; and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>left standing the position concerning the Convention incompatibility declarations against which the Secretary of State had abandoned his appeal.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The authoritative judgment is the judgment of <strong>Lord Reed, Lord Hodge, Lord Lloyd-Jones, Lord Hamblen, and Lord Stephens<\/strong>. The case was heard on 14\u201316 October 2025, and judgment was delivered on 7 May 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-21-why-dillon-mcevoy-hughes-amp-mcmanus-2026-uksc-15-is-a-landmark-judgment\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"21_Why_Dillon_McEvoy_Hughes_McManus_2026_UKSC_15_Is_a_Landmark_Judgment\"><\/span>21. Why Dillon, McEvoy, Hughes &amp; McManus [2026] UKSC 15 Is a Landmark Judgment<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In my assessment, the importance of this case extends well beyond the immediate dispute concerning the Legacy Act.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-first-it-defines-the-post-brexit-constitutional-role-of-the-windsor-framework\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"First_It_Defines_the_Post-Brexit_Constitutional_Role_of_the_Windsor_Framework\"><\/span>First: It Defines the Post-Brexit Constitutional Role of the Windsor Framework<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The judgment provides important guidance on the relationship between:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Westminster legislation \u2192 the Withdrawal Agreement \u2192 the Windsor Framework \u2192 EU law \u2192 domestic judicial review.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That is an unusual constitutional chain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Court has made clear that Article 2(1) cannot simply be treated as a general constitutional guarantee protecting every right associated with the Belfast Agreement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The precise EU-law foundation matters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-second-it-places-limits-on-the-domestic-reach-of-the-eu-charter\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Second_It_Places_Limits_on_the_Domestic_Reach_of_the_EU_Charter\"><\/span>Second: It Places Limits on the Domestic Reach of the EU Charter<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The decision confirms that the Charter does not operate as a free-standing post-Brexit bill of rights in Northern Ireland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An appropriate EU-law \u201canchor\u201d is required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This will be important in future cases attempting to rely upon the Charter in post-Brexit Northern Ireland litigation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-third-it-clarifies-the-no-diminution-principle\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Third_It_Clarifies_the_%E2%80%9CNo_Diminution%E2%80%9D_Principle\"><\/span>Third: It Clarifies the \u201cNo Diminution\u201d Principle<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Windsor Framework protects against diminution resulting from Brexit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It does not freeze every aspect of Northern Ireland law permanently in the legal position existing before Brexit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The causal connection with withdrawal from the EU is therefore critical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-fourth-it-reinforces-the-importance-of-case-specific-judicial-review\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Fourth_It_Reinforces_the_Importance_of_Case-Specific_Judicial_Review\"><\/span>Fourth: It Reinforces the Importance of Case-Specific Judicial Review<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Court&#8217;s treatment of the ICRIR demonstrates judicial caution when a claimant seeks to invalidate a legislative scheme before it has operated in individual cases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>\u201call or almost all cases\u201d<\/strong> threshold is therefore of considerable practical importance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-fifth-it-highlights-the-constitutional-significance-of-national-security\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Fifth_It_Highlights_the_Constitutional_Significance_of_National_Security\"><\/span>Fifth: It Highlights the Constitutional Significance of National Security<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The judgment does not give the executive an unrestricted disclosure power.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Where sensitive information is involved, national security must be balanced against the public interest in the administration of justice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And the executive&#8217;s decision remains reviewable by the courts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-sixth-it-exposes-the-continuing-tension-between-reconciliation-and-accountability\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Sixth_It_Exposes_the_Continuing_Tension_Between_Reconciliation_and_Accountability\"><\/span>Sixth: It Exposes the Continuing Tension Between Reconciliation and Accountability<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is perhaps the deepest issue in the case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The law of transitional justice frequently confronts an uncomfortable reality: societies emerging from prolonged conflict may seek truth, reconciliation, and stability without necessarily pursuing every possible prosecution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But the European human-rights framework places serious constraints on impunity for grave violations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Supreme Court&#8217;s judgment carefully recognizes this tension without creating a new judicially invented immunity for reconciliation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-22-significance-for-northern-ireland-constitutional-law\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"22_Significance_for_Northern_Ireland_Constitutional_Law\"><\/span>22. Significance for Northern Ireland Constitutional Law<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Northern Ireland&#8217;s constitutional arrangements are legally unusual because they involve several overlapping instruments:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>the Belfast\/Good Friday Agreement;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the European Convention on Human Rights;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the Human Rights Act 1998;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the Windsor Framework;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>provisions of EU law preserved through those arrangements; and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Acts of the UK Parliament.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Dillon, McEvoy, Hughes &amp; McManus<\/strong> demonstrate that these instruments cannot simply be collapsed into one constitutional source.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Each has its own legal basis, scope, and remedial consequences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That methodological discipline is one of the judgment&#8217;s most important contributions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-23-significance-for-uk-constitutional-law-after-brexit\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"23_Significance_for_UK_Constitutional_Law_After_Brexit\"><\/span>23. Significance for UK Constitutional Law After Brexit<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The case also illustrates a broader constitutional reality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Brexit did not produce a complete separation between UK law and EU law overnight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Particular treaty obligations continue to operate domestically, and Parliament itself has legislated mechanisms through which certain rights and obligations arising under the Withdrawal Agreement receive domestic legal effect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Section 7A of the <strong>European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018<\/strong> is therefore particularly important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Supreme Court&#8217;s reasoning demonstrates that the post-Brexit constitution cannot be understood simply through the traditional binary of:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>\u201cEU law before Brexit\u201d versus \u201cUK law after Brexit.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There remains a complex intermediate constitutional space created by the Withdrawal Agreement and Windsor Framework.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-24-the-significance-for-victims-of-the-troubles\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"24_The_Significance_for_Victims_of_the_Troubles\"><\/span>24. The Significance for Victims of the Troubles<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From the perspective of victims and their families, the judgment is inevitably more complicated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Court did not hold that victims have no rights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Quite the contrary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The judgment recognizes the importance of effective investigations, family involvement, and the requirements of Articles 2 and 3.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But it rejected the proposition that every procedural deficiency necessarily makes the entire legislative framework unlawful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Victims therefore retain the possibility of challenging the conduct of particular investigations where the Convention standards are not met.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This distinction between <strong>challenging the statutory framework in the abstract<\/strong> and <strong>challenging an actual investigation<\/strong> may become highly significant in future litigation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-25-a-wider-lesson-for-public-law\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"25_A_Wider_Lesson_for_Public_Law\"><\/span>25. A Wider Lesson for Public Law<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The case illustrates an important principle familiar to constitutional lawyers: <strong>the remedy must follow the source of the right<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A claimant cannot move from:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThis legislation interferes with an important human right.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">directly to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cTherefore this legislation must be disapplied under the Windsor Framework.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The court must identify:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>the precise right;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the legal instrument creating or protecting that right;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>whether that instrument has domestic legal effect;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>whether the relevant statutory provision has diminished the right;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>whether the diminution is legally attributable to Brexit; and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What remedy follows.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That analytical discipline is at the heart of the Supreme Court&#8217;s decision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Also Read: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalservicesindia.com\/tag\/uk-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Latest Updates from United Kingdom<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-26-what-the-judgment-does-not-mean\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"26_What_the_Judgment_Does_Not_Mean\"><\/span>26. What the Judgment Does Not Mean<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is equally important to avoid overstating the judgment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-it-does-not-mean-that-the-windsor-framework-is-legally-irrelevant\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"It_Does_Not_Mean_That_the_Windsor_Framework_Is_Legally_Irrelevant\"><\/span>It Does Not Mean That the Windsor Framework Is Legally Irrelevant<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Court accepted that Article 2(1) may have direct effect when the appropriate EU-law conditions are satisfied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-it-does-not-mean-that-the-eu-charter-has-disappeared-completely-from-northern-ireland-law\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"It_Does_Not_Mean_That_the_EU_Charter_Has_Disappeared_Completely_from_Northern_Ireland_Law\"><\/span>It Does Not Mean That the EU Charter Has Disappeared Completely from Northern Ireland Law<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rather, its application depends upon the necessary EU-law foundation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-it-does-not-mean-that-the-icrir-can-never-conduct-an-unlawful-investigation\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"It_Does_Not_Mean_That_the_ICRIR_Can_Never_Conduct_an_Unlawful_Investigation\"><\/span>It Does Not Mean That the ICRIR Can Never Conduct an Unlawful Investigation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A particular investigation may still be challenged where the Convention requirements are not met.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-it-does-not-mean-that-the-supreme-court-approved-every-aspect-of-the-immunity-regime\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"It_Does_Not_Mean_That_the_Supreme_Court_Approved_Every_Aspect_of_the_Immunity_Regime\"><\/span>It Does Not Mean That the Supreme Court Approved Every Aspect of the Immunity Regime<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Convention incompatibility declarations concerning immunity remained because the Secretary of State had abandoned his appeal against them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-it-does-not-mean-that-victims-have-no-legal-remedies\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"It_Does_Not_Mean_That_Victims_Have_No_Legal_Remedies\"><\/span>It Does Not Mean That Victims Have No Legal Remedies<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Court&#8217;s reasoning leaves significant scope for case-specific judicial review and Convention-based challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-conclusion\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span>Conclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dillon, McEvoy, Hughes &amp; McManus [2026] UKSC 15 is a landmark post-Brexit constitutional judgment because it sits at the intersection of Northern Ireland&#8217;s peace settlement, parliamentary sovereignty, the Windsor Framework, EU law, human rights, and transitional justice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Its central message is one of constitutional precision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Windsor Framework&#8217;s Article 2(1) no-diminution obligation is legally significant, but it cannot be converted into a general guarantee preserving every conceivable pre-Brexit remedy. A claimant must identify a qualifying right, establish its EU-law foundation, demonstrate the required diminution, and establish the necessary causal connection with Brexit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Likewise, the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights cannot be treated as an independent post-Brexit source of constitutional rights. The Supreme Court&#8217;s insistence upon an EU-law \u201canchor\u201d places an important boundary around Charter litigation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At the same time, the judgment reinforces the continuing importance of Articles 2 and 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights. Investigations into historic deaths and allegations of torture must satisfy Convention standards, even though the assessment of effectiveness is necessarily sensitive to the circumstances and passage of time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Perhaps the most enduring significance of the case lies in the constitutional balance it attempts to maintain. The legacy of the Troubles cannot be reduced either to an uncomplicated demand for prosecution or to an uncomplicated demand for closure. The law must navigate between accountability, truth, victims&#8217; rights, reconciliation, institutional competence, and the constitutional obligations undertaken by the United Kingdom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For practitioners, [2026] UKSC 15 should therefore be regarded as an essential authority on the Windsor Framework, Article 2(1), EU Charter applicability, the Victims Directive, Article 2 and Article 3 investigative obligations, ab ante judicial review, ICRIR investigations, and the constitutional consequences of Brexit for Northern Ireland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Primary authority:<\/strong> Dillon, McEvoy, Hughes &amp; McManus [2026] UKSC 15, Supreme Court of the United Kingdom, judgment dated 7 May 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-faqs-on-dillon-mcevoy-hughes-amp-mcmanus-2026-uksc-15\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQs_on_Dillon_McEvoy_Hughes_McManus_2026_UKSC_15\"><\/span>FAQs on Dillon, McEvoy, Hughes &amp; McManus [2026] UKSC 15<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-1-what-is-the-significance-of-dillon-mcevoy-hughes-amp-mcmanus-2026-uksc-15\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_What_is_the_significance_of_Dillon_McEvoy_Hughes_McManus_2026_UKSC_15\"><\/span>1. What is the significance of Dillon, McEvoy, Hughes &amp; McManus [2026] UKSC 15?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dillon, McEvoy, Hughes &amp; McManus [2026] UKSC 15 is a landmark UK Supreme Court judgment concerning the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023, the Windsor Framework, EU-derived rights, the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and the European Convention on Human Rights. The judgment is particularly significant for post-Brexit constitutional law and the legal protection of rights in Northern Ireland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-2-what-did-the-uk-supreme-court-decide-about-article-2-of-the-windsor-framework-in-2026-uksc-15\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_What_did_the_UK_Supreme_Court_decide_about_Article_2_of_the_Windsor_Framework_in_2026_UKSC_15\"><\/span>2. What did the UK Supreme Court decide about Article 2 of the Windsor Framework in [2026] UKSC 15?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In Dillon, McEvoy, Hughes &amp; McManus [2026] UKSC 15, the Supreme Court clarified that Article 2(1) of the Windsor Framework can have direct effect where the necessary EU-law conditions are satisfied. However, the provision does not create a general right preserving every pre-Brexit legal remedy in Northern Ireland. A claimant must identify a specific protected EU-derived right and establish the required legal connection with Brexit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-3-did-the-supreme-court-rule-that-the-eu-charter-of-fundamental-rights-applies-to-the-northern-ireland-troubles-legacy-act\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Did_the_Supreme_Court_rule_that_the_EU_Charter_of_Fundamental_Rights_applies_to_the_Northern_Ireland_Troubles_Legacy_Act\"><\/span>3. Did the Supreme Court rule that the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights applies to the Northern Ireland Troubles Legacy Act?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No. The Supreme Court held that the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights cannot be relied upon as a free-standing source of rights. There must be an appropriate EU law \u201canchor\u201d bringing the matter within the scope of the Charter. This makes [2026] UKSC 15 an important authority on the application of EU law and fundamental rights in post-Brexit Northern Ireland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-4-what-did-2026-uksc-15-say-about-victims-rights-and-investigations-into-troubles-related-deaths\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_What_did_2026_UKSC_15_say_about_victims_rights_and_investigations_into_Troubles-related_deaths\"><\/span>4. What did [2026] UKSC 15 say about victims&#8217; rights and investigations into Troubles-related deaths?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Supreme Court recognized the continuing importance of Articles 2 and 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights, including the obligation to conduct effective investigations in appropriate cases. However, the Court held that an advance challenge to the ICRIR framework required a high threshold. The applicants had to demonstrate that the statutory scheme would result in an ineffective investigation in all or almost all cases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-5-why-is-dillon-mcevoy-hughes-amp-mcmanus-2026-uksc-15-a-landmark-post-brexit-constitutional-judgment\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Why_is_Dillon_McEvoy_Hughes_McManus_2026_UKSC_15_a_landmark_post-Brexit_constitutional_judgment\"><\/span>5. Why is Dillon, McEvoy, Hughes &amp; McManus [2026] UKSC 15 a landmark post-Brexit constitutional judgment?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The judgment is a landmark because it clarifies the relationship between UK Parliament legislation, the Windsor Framework, EU-derived rights, the EU Charter, the European Convention on Human Rights, and Northern Ireland&#8217;s constitutional settlement. It demonstrates that Brexit did not completely remove EU-related legal obligations from Northern Ireland and provides important guidance on how those obligations can be enforced in UK courts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-key-takeaways-dillon-mcevoy-hughes-amp-mcmanus-2026-uksc-15\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Key_Takeaways_Dillon_McEvoy_Hughes_McManus_2026_UKSC_15\"><\/span>Key Takeaways: Dillon, McEvoy, Hughes &amp; McManus [2026] UKSC 15<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dillon, McEvoy, Hughes &amp; McManus [2026] UKSC 15 is a landmark UK Supreme Court judgment on the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023, the Windsor Framework, EU-derived rights, and human rights law. The judgment was delivered on 7 May 2026. (Wikipedia)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-key-legal-takeaways\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Key_Legal_Takeaways\"><\/span>Key Legal Takeaways<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Windsor Framework Article 2(1):<\/strong> The Supreme Court clarified the circumstances in which Article 2(1) of the Windsor Framework can be relied upon in UK courts to protect certain EU-derived rights in Northern Ireland.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>No general preservation of pre-Brexit rights:<\/strong> Article 2(1) does not automatically preserve every legal right or remedy that existed before Brexit. A claimant must establish a specific protected right and the necessary connection with EU law and Brexit.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>EU Charter of Fundamental Rights:<\/strong> The EU Charter cannot be used as a free-standing source of fundamental rights. An appropriate EU-law \u201canchor\u201d is required for the Charter to apply.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Northern Ireland Troubles Legacy Act:<\/strong> The case examined major provisions of the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023, including the statutory framework establishing the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Victims&#8217; rights remain important:<\/strong> The judgment recognizes the continuing relevance of Articles 2 and 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights, particularly regarding effective investigations into deaths and serious ill-treatment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>ICRIR investigations:<\/strong> A prospective challenge to the ICRIR framework faces a high threshold. It must be demonstrated that the statutory scheme would result in ineffective investigations in all or almost all cases.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>National security and disclosure:<\/strong> The Supreme Court confirmed that national-security considerations do not automatically prevent disclosure. Executive decisions concerning sensitive information remain subject to public-law principles and judicial review.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Troubles legacy and reconciliation:<\/strong> The judgment highlights the difficult constitutional balance between accountability, victims&#8217; rights, truth, reconciliation, and the UK&#8217;s international legal obligations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Post-Brexit constitutional law:<\/strong> [2026] UKSC 15 is particularly significant because it clarifies how UK legislation, the Windsor Framework, EU law, and the European Convention on Human Rights interact in Northern Ireland after Brexit.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-why-this-judgment-matters\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_This_Judgment_Matters\"><\/span>Why This Judgment Matters<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The central lesson from Dillon, McEvoy, Hughes &amp; McManus [2026] UKSC 15 is that post-Brexit rights in Northern Ireland must be analyzed through their specific legal source and constitutional foundation. The Windsor Framework remains legally significant, but it does not create an unlimited mechanism for preserving all pre-Brexit rights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-summary\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Summary\"><\/span>Summary<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dillon, McEvoy, Hughes &amp; McManus [2026] UKSC 15 is a landmark Supreme Court case on the Northern Ireland Troubles Legacy Act 2023, Windsor Framework Article 2, the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, EU-derived rights, ICRIR investigations, and ECHR human rights protections. It provides important guidance on Northern Ireland constitutional law and the UK&#8217;s post-Brexit legal obligations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-related-links yoast-seo-related-links\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/friends-of-the-irish-environment-v-government-of-ireland-2020-climate-litigation\/\">Friends Of The Irish Environment vs. Ireland (2020): (A Landmark Climate Litigation Case and Its Impact on Environmental Constitutionalism<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/extradition-process-between-ireland-and-uae\/\">The Extradition Process Between Ireland and the UAE<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/redrawing-boundaries-challenges-in-indias-delimitation-process\/\">Redrawing Boundaries: Challenges in India\u2019s Delimitation Process<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/sentencing-discrimination-the-hidden-bias-in-judicial-punishment\/\">Sentencing Discrimination: The Hidden Bias in Judicial Punishment<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-essentials-of-european-union-law-supremacy-sources-and-integration\/\">The Essentials of European Union Law: Supremacy, Sources, and Integration<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-lawyers-in-the-united-kingdom\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Lawyers_in_the_United_Kingdom\"><\/span>Lawyers in the United Kingdom<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/int_lawyers\/london.htm\">Lawyers in London<\/a><\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/int_lawyers\/birmingham.htm\">Lawyers in Birmingham<\/a><\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/int_lawyers\/dublin.htm\">Lawyers in Dublin, Ireland<\/a><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/int_lawyers\/manchester.htm\">Lawyers in Manchester<\/a><\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/int_lawyers\/lancaster.htm\">Lawyers in Lancaster<\/a><\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/int_lawyers\/edinburgh.htm\">Lawyers in Edinburgh, Scotland<\/a><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/int_lawyers\/southampton.htm\">Lawyers in Southampton<\/a><\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/int_lawyers\/bradford.htm\">Lawyers in Bradford<\/a><\/td><td><strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/lawyers\/payment\/register.htm\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">List Your Firm<\/a><\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Dillon, McEvoy, Hughes &amp; McManus [2026] UKSC 15: Supreme Court Clarifies the Windsor Framework, EU Rights, and the Legacy of the Troubles Citation: In the matter of an application by Martina Dillon, John McEvoy, Brigid Hughes, and Lynda McManus for Judicial Review (Respondents); In the matter of an application by Martina Dillon, John McEvoy, Brigid<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1675,"featured_media":30436,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_bbp_topic_count":0,"_bbp_reply_count":0,"_bbp_total_topic_count":0,"_bbp_total_reply_count":0,"_bbp_voice_count":0,"_bbp_anonymous_reply_count":0,"_bbp_topic_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_reply_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_forum_subforum_count":0,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"two_page_speed":[],"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"_joinchat":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[95,393],"tags":[28,9169],"class_list":["post-30435","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-supreme-court","category-united-kingdom","tag-top-news","tag-united-kingdom"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v28.2 (Yoast SEO v28.2) - 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Zeynep Mukherjee \u2728 \ud83c\udf93 Law Graduate, ILS Law College, Pune \ud83c\udfdb\ufe0f Advocate | Calcutta High Court \u2696\ufe0f Over 5 Years of Legal Practice Adv. Zeynep Mukherjee is a dedicated and passionate legal professional practicing before the Calcutta High Court. A graduate of the prestigious ILS Law College, Pune, she combines strong academic foundations with over five years of practical legal experience, providing thoughtful, client-focused, and result-oriented legal representation. Her commitment to justice, meticulous legal research, persuasive advocacy, and ethical practice enables her to effectively assist clients across a wide range of legal matters. 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