Former Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams is in line for "a pay day from the taxpayer" under plans to repeal the Legacy Act, a report backed by several peers has stated.

A thinktank backed by 16 peers has criticised the government's plan to lift a ban on compensation for unlawful detention during the Troubles.

British prime minister Keir Starmer has said he is looking at “every conceivable way” to stop former Troubles internees such as Gerry Adams from seeking compensation. He was responding to criticism of his government’s proposed repeal of legislation that had put a stop to such civil claims.

It is believed Gerry Adams will pursue a compensation bid if the Legacy Act is repealed.

Removing a block on former Troubles internees, such as Gerry Adams, seeking compensation will deliver a taxpayer-funded pay day for ex-detainees, a think tank has claimed.

Mr Adams’ remarks come amid a controversy over Mr Starmer’s plan to repeal legislation that would have blocked such claims

Why is Gerry Adams in line for a ‘pay day from the taxpayer’ if Legacy Act repealed? BBC NI Crime and Justice Correspondent Julian O'Neill explains.

Gerry Adams is in line for taxpayer-funded compensation because of Sir Keir Starmer’s human rights plans, senior peers have warned.

Conservative Kemi Badenoch said in the Commons it was 'shameful' Sir Keir is proposing to 'write a cheque to compensate Gerry Adams'. Sir Keir was grilled on the prospect of the former Sinn Fein leader receiving a payout during PMQs.

Sir Keir Starmer was speaking in the House of Commons after the Conservatives said it was "shameful" that repealing the Legacy Act could put Mr Adams in line for a "cheque". The Legacy Act presently blocks him - and many others interned without trial in the 1970s - from claiming compensation for unlawful detention.