Hilary Benn

Mr Finucane, who co-founded Madden & Finucane Solicitors, was murdered in his home in north Belfast on 12 February 1989 by loyalist paramilitaries who acted in collusion with UK security forces.

His family have long campaigned for a public inquiry into the killing and his widow, Geraldine Finucane, has repeatedly brought legal actions aimed at forcing the UK government to establish an inquiry.

A major milestone was the UK Supreme Court’s ruling in February 2019 that the UK had failed to deliver an ECHR Article 2-compliant investigation into Mr Finucane’s death.

Northern Ireland secretary Hilary Benn finally announced in September 2024 that an independent public inquiry would take place. Sir Gary Hickinbottom was appointed in June 2025 to chair the inquiry, supported by Baroness Nuala O’Loan and Francesca Del Mese as assessors.

The terms of reference were published today alongside a written ministerial statement to the Westminster parliament.

Mr Benn said: “The terms of reference have been developed following formal consultation with Sir Gary Hickinbottom, as required by the Inquiries Act.

“Sir Gary, in turn, consulted the family of Patrick Finucane who provided very helpful feedback and observations.

“I would like to thank Sir Gary and the Finucane family for their engagement throughout the process.”

He added: “I commend and support the tireless campaign of Mrs Finucane and her family in seeking answers to the brutal murder of their loved one over the course of 37 years and I am pleased that the Inquiry will now finally be able to get underway.”

The inquiry will be established under the Inquiries Act 2005, with full powers, including the power to compel the production of documents and to summon witnesses to give evidence on oath.