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.

There is unrest within the UK Parliament at the idea of former Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams benefitting from the compensation scheme.

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

Mr Adams has consistently denied being a member of the IRA. A clause in the act currently blocks payouts to him and about 400 other people also interned. Labour, which has begun the process of repealing the act, said the previous government's approach to legacy was "almost universally opposed in Northern Ireland".

A report backed by Lords warned on Wednesday the former Sinn Fein president and MP could be in line for compensation over internment during 1970s. | UTV News

Keir Starmer has said he would look at "every conceivable way" to block the former Sinn Féin MP and leader from receiving a payout.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said he is looking at "every conceivable way" to stop former Troubles internees, such as former Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams, from seeking compensation.

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.

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.

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.