Gerry Adams will be BLOCKED from claiming taxpayer compensation, Keir Starmer pledges following MP backlash
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” to stop the former Sinn Fein leader getting a payout.
Labour has been slammed for scrapping Tory laws preventing the Irish Republican from claiming damages for being imprisoned during the Troubles.
Around 400 people – including likely convicted IRA terrorists – are seeking government payouts for being detained in the 1970s.
Sir Keir today defended repealing Conservative legislation but said he will look to replace it with “a better framework” that stops such compensation cases being brought.
He told MPs: “We’re working on a draft remedial order and replacement legislation, and we will look at every conceivable way to prevent these types of cases claiming damages – I say that on the record.”
Earlier Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick had blasted the “disgraceful decision” from ministers.
He warned: “Hundreds of former terrorists and sympathisers could qualify for payouts unless this inexplicable measure is dropped.”
Former Home Secretary Suella Braverman branded the move “another shameful decision by this government”.
She said the decision “rewards terrorism and again, puts the views of the lefty lawyers above the common sense, law-abiding, patriotic majority.”
Mr Adams won a court battle in 2023 that ruled he was wrongly denied compensation after his convictions for trying to escape jail in the 1970s were quashed.
The ex-Sinn Fein president – who has always denied being involved with IRA terror activity – fled the notorious Maze Prison where he was being held.
But following the ruling the Tory government announced overriding legislation that would ban Mr Adams and other similar cases from seeking damages.
It was subject to legal challenge in Northern Ireland, which ruled the UK Parliament did not have “compelling reasons” to deny Mr Adams the compensation.
Labour has now dropped an appeal against that decision and signalled it will repeal the blocks on him awarded damages.
A report by Policy Exchange slamming the move has been backed by 16 peers.