MPs vote in favour of imposing buffer zones around abortion clinics

Buffer zones, like the one imposed around BPAS Richmond in Twickenham, make it criminal offence to offer help or prayer to women visiting the clinic (Photo: Google Street View)

MPs voted on Wednesday to restrict offers of support and help to women outside abortion clinics.

Labour MP Dr Rupa Huq's Demonstrations (Abortion Clinics) Ten Minute Rule Bill called for legislation "to restrict demonstrations in the vicinity of abortion clinics; and for connected purposes".

It passed in the Commons by 213 votes to 47, with those voting in favour including Opposition leader Keir Starmer, although as a Ten Minute Rule Motion it is unlikely to become law.

Conservative MP Fiona Bruce spoke out against the "regressive" motion, warning that it would undermine freedom of speech and conscience.

She told MPs: "Let me clear, I do not condone aggressive protest activities outside abortion clinics.

"But these are in the minority and imposing national legislation where it is not required to tackle these would be a drastic overreaction because of the potential damage this bill could do to the more widely held freedom of speech in this country."

Buffer zones already exist around clinics in Ealing and Richmond, while other councils are reported to be considering them.

Catherine Robinson, spokesperson for Right To Life UK, criticised attempts to impose buffer zones.

"By attempting to restrict where women facing unplanned pregnancies can receive compassionate emotional and practical support, the 'pro-choice' lobby are removing real choice for women and revealing they're really just pro-abortion," she said.

"Today, many babies are alive because their mothers were able to get the help they needed outside of an abortion clinic.

"We would, therefore, encourage the Government not to give this Bill any more time. In doing so they would send a clear signal that women should not be denied the choice of life-saving support for them and their baby."

Antonia Tully, Campaigns Manager at the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children, said the Bill was an attack on the rights of pro-lifers.

"This attempt to remove civil liberties from law-abiding citizens should not be forced through as restrictions on gatherings generally are lifted," she said.

"The lockdown has meant that many women have found themselves in a crisis pregnancy situation, and will need help more than ever. As soon as it is safe to do so, pro-lifers must be allowed to offer that help."

News
English Heritage accused of whitewashing Christianity from Easter
English Heritage accused of whitewashing Christianity from Easter

One visitor to an English Heritage site took exception to what he called the “whitewashing” of history.

US criticised for failing to bring up religious freedom in Iran talks
US criticised for failing to bring up religious freedom in Iran talks

The USA has failed to bring up religious freedom in its engagement with Iran

US missionary kidnapped at gunpoint is rescued unharmed
US missionary kidnapped at gunpoint is rescued unharmed

Five days after he was kidnapped by armed men from his church in Motherwell, South Africa, Tennessee missionary Josh Sullivan was rescued and “miraculously unharmed” following a “high-intensity shootout” that left three people dead.

Will Christian movies ever make an impact in the UK?
Will Christian movies ever make an impact in the UK?

More recently, I’ve enjoyed Christian movies Unsung Hero and Jesus Revolution on limited release in the UK, but it’s rare for such films to make the multiplex chains.