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".

Outcry from peers and IRA bomb victims as PM’s decision to repeal Troubles legislation means former Sinn Fein leader is in line for payout

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

GERRY Adams will be blocked from claiming taxpayer-funded compensation if possible, Sir Keir Starmer pledged today following a massive backlash. The PM pledged to “look at every conceivable way”

Sir Keir Starmer said he was looking at ‘every conceivable way’ to prevent compensation being paid to Mr Adams and others interned in the Troubles.

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.