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".

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

Former Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams is in line for "a pay day from the taxpayer" as the government plans to remove a block on former Troubles internees getting compensation, a report has claimed.

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.