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It is believed Gerry Adams will pursue a compensation bid if the Legacy Act is repealed.

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.

A proposed repeal of the North's Legacy Act could allow the ex-SF leader to lodge a claim for detention without trial in the 1970s

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Why is Gerry Adams in line for a ‘pay day from the taxpayer’ if Legacy Act repealed?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.

We will look at every conceivable way to prevent these types of cases claiming damages,” Sir Keir Starmer told the House of Commons on Wednesday, referring to Adams and hundreds of others who were interned over the period.

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

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.