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Sir Alan, who led the campaign for justice, said he had been made a "take it or leave it" offer that was less than half the amount he was claiming.

"It is only a 'take it or leave it' decision in the sense that at some stage the matter has to come to an end and someone has to decide, in order to bring fair closure to so many who have been harmed."

Sir Alan Bates has accused the government of putting forward a "take it or leave it" offer of compensation amounting to less than half of his claim.

"One was always too many. I started drinking as often as I could from about 12 or 13. You'd go through your pals' parents' drink cabinets and other kids could take it or leave it - with me I was either drinking or thinking about drinking."

US officials have categorised this latest proposal as a "take it or leave it deal", the Washington Post reported.