Labour's IRA Payouts Plans Sparks Fury

Starmer and Hermer under fire as plan to compensate Gerry Adams leaves British heroes facing court battles

Sir Keir Starmer's Labour government has come under fire for its 'two-tier justice system' that could see former IRA suspects, including Gerry Adams, receive taxpayer-funded compensation whilst British veterans face legal scrutiny.

Labour's plans to repeal the Northern Ireland Legacy Act could enable Adams and approximately 400 other IRA suspects to claim compensation for their 1970s detentions.

The controversy has deepened after questions last month over Attorney General Lord Hermer KC's role, with the Conservatives demanding clarity on which matters he has recused himself from due to his previous legal work — including representing Gerry Adams. Critics accuse the Attorney General of "marking his own homework" after telling peers he had stepped back from advising ministers on "certain matters" without specifying which ones.

This contentious situation comes as the Ministry of Defence launches a judicial review challenging a coroner's ruling that could see SAS veterans prosecuted for their role in the 1992 Clonoe ambush of IRA terrorists.

Shadow Defence Minister Mark Francois didn't mince words in Parliament: "Why should a Labour government assist Gerry Adams to sue the British taxpayer? How is that supporting those who served their country valiantly in Northern Ireland?"

The row has intensified as the government faces parallel pressure over potential British troop deployment to Ukraine. Conservative MPs are demanding maximum protection for our servicemen from vexatious claims, urging derogation from the European Convention on Human Rights — a legal mechanism that would temporarily suspend certain treaty obligations and protect British troops from prosecution.

Defence Secretary John Healey's lukewarm response to these concerns has only fuelled Conservative anger, with many viewing Labour's stance as putting veterans at risk whilst potentially rewarding former terrorists.

This latest controversy adds to mounting evidence that Labour prioritises European court rulings over British justice, with critics accusing Sir Keir's government of putting foreign judges' opinions ahead of protecting our veterans who risked their lives during the Troubles. The refusal to break from European human rights laws shows Labour cares more about pleasing Brussels than standing up for British servicemen, critics say.

The Telegraph (25/3/25) reports that up to 400 former IRA suspects could be in line for compensation if Labour proceeds with its plans, potentially costing British taxpayers millions of pounds. Meanwhile, the Conservatives have called for Cabinet Secretary Sir Chris Wormald to investigate Lord Hermer's involvement in matters related to the Legacy Act, despite the Attorney General's insistence that he represented Adams on "something unconnected" to the Act.