Sir Keir Starmer said the UK Government will look at “every conceivable way to prevent” former Troubles internees, such as Gerry Adams, seeking compensation.
The Prime Minister criticised the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 and said he will continue with efforts to replace the existing legislation, which stopped such payouts to Mr Adams and other former internees.
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch said Sir Keir’s Government “may write a cheque to compensate Gerry Adams”, adding: “This is shameful.”
Speaking at Prime Minister’s Questions, Sir Keir replied: “That Act was unfit not least because it gave immunity to hundreds of terrorists and wasn’t supported by victims in Northern Ireland nor I believe by any of the political parties in Northern Ireland.
“The court found it unlawful. We will put in place a better framework, 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.
“It’s important I say that on the record.”
The Prime Minister’s official spokesman could not guarantee that compensation payments to Gerry Adams or other former Troubles internees will be prevented.
“Clearly the Government’s intention is to prevent compensation from being paid. We are going to look at every option but I can’t get ahead of that process,” he said when asked about a guarantee.
When pressed that an intention is not the same as a guarantee, the spokesman replied: “You have got the Prime Minister’s language in the House. He has very clearly put that on the record in the House of Commons.”
Asked if there are real, conceivable options to block payments, he said: “The Prime Minister wouldn’t make the commitment on the floor of the House if he didn’t think we could address this issue.
“But as I say it is a complex area and we have been left with a real mess when it comes to the Northern Ireland Legacy Act which was completely unfit for purpose.”
A spokesman for Kemi Badenoch said there were “almost certainly” no circumstances in which she would support awarding compensation to Gerry Adams and other Troubles internees.
The Opposition leader’s spokesman added: “But we are going to need to see what the Bill is that the Prime Minister comes forward with.”
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