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.

The UK Prime Minister said he is aiming to stop Adams claiming damages for his internment during the Troubles.

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

It is believed Gerry Adams will pursue a compensation bid if the Legacy Act is repealed.

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

Reacting to Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch’s claim that he “may write a cheque to compensate Gerry Adams”, Mr Starmer said “we will look at every conceivable way to prevent these types of cases claiming damages”. “It’s important I say that on the record,” he added.

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

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.

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.