Labour faces backlash over legal aid for Gerry Adams

The Labour government is facing criticism for providing legal aid to Gerry Adams, the former president of Sinn Fein. Critics argue this creates a "two-tier justice" system. Adams is set to receive taxpayer-funded compensation after recent changes to the law that affect his case. Previously, he was barred from claiming compensation for his detention during the Troubles in the 1970s. The changes come after Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer decided to repeal legislation that limited compensation for Adams and around 400 others associated with the IRA. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Defence plans to appeal a ruling that could lead to legal action against SAS veterans for the deaths of four IRA members during an incident in 1992. Concerns were raised in Parliament about the fairness of revoking parts of the Northern Ireland Legacy Act. Shadow defence minister Mark Francois asked why the government would support compensation for Adams while veterans face potential prosecutions. He claimed this could create disparities in how justice is applied. Veterans Minister Al Carns, who served in Northern Ireland, assured that support would be available for those involved in ongoing investigations. Meanwhile, Defence Secretary John Healey discussed the potential deployment of British troops to Ukraine for a peacekeeping mission. Some MPs urged the government to offer maximum protection for troops from legal claims during such missions. Healey noted that if troops are deployed, it will be for a negotiated peace, not a conflict. He emphasized that British forces would be fully supported, as the UK collaborates with other nations to address security concerns in Ukraine.