Official History relating to the Troubles
While more archival sources have opened up since the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement, many historians have highlighted the difficulty in accessing official records during the course of their research on the Troubles. UK Government departments seek to comply with their obligations under the Public Records Act, but there are often pragmatic or legal reasons why some records cannot be made public for many years – for example, to mitigate risk-to-life of named individuals, protect civil liberties (including the right to privacy), or for national security reasons. Official histories, as an established and proven process for granting historians full access to material not scheduled for full release in the near future, offers a way of navigating these concerns – answering the call to open up archives relating to the Troubles, and accelerating the release of information into the public domain.
Importantly, this is not an official history of Operation Banner, nor an official history of the Troubles in its entirety, but an official history of the UK Government’s policy towards Northern Ireland during the Troubles. The official historians will undoubtedly examine the patterns by which policy is made and practices accepted or legitimated, exploring the nodes of decision-making within the complexities of state structures. For example, they may explore the relationship and processes of decision-making between successive prime ministers, the Ministry of Defence and the armed forces. They may also explore the ways that social and economic issues intersected with political and security matters throughout the conflict? The project will also inevitably address issues such as the state’s intelligence war against paramilitary organisations and the use of agents and informers. Addressing all issues relating to British policy is important for understanding the past in Northern Ireland.
Independent academic advisory group
An expert advisory panel has been established to provide independent advice, guidance and oversight of the historians writing the History of UK Government policy towards Northern Ireland during the Troubles. Chaired by Lord Bew and Professor Caoimhe Nic Dháibhéid, its membership represents a range of expertise and historical perspectives. The panel’s primary function is to ensure the accuracy, objectivity, and comprehensiveness of the history. Read more about the advisory panel here.
The official historians
Up to five official historians will be appointed over a period of five years – or a similar configuration representing twenty-five years of academic time in total, a significant investment allowing for the major undertaking such a project demands.
As an initial step, the advisory panel’s role is to ensure a transparent and rigorous recruitment process, for appointing the official historians. The panel invites historians interested in one of these roles to submit expressions of interest – further details available here.