I appreciate that the introduction of ‘buffer zones’ around abortion clinics and hospitals evokes strong feelings on both sides of the argument. I have received correspondence from constituents on this matter which has been roughly split 50-50 in terms of supporting or opposing the new legislation.

Matters related to abortion are a free vote for MPs, meaning the Government does not ask members to vote a certain way. Clause 9 of the Public Order Bill introduces a “buffer zone” which means an area which is within a boundary which is 150 metres from any part of an abortion clinic, where interference with, and intimidation or harassment of, women accessing or people providing abortion services would be an offence. The clause does not entirely stop protests, the new clause simply says that people should not have a right to protest in another person’s face, and very often these protesters are right up in front of people. This is at a point when they are emotionally vulnerable, going through an already difficult decision, let alone with what they have to go through outside the clinic.

I have always supported this introducing this measure, believing it to be entirely proportionate. I have previously sponsored a number of amendments to introduce buffer zones, and sponsored and voted in favour of this specific clause when it was introduced last autumn.

Its attachment to the Public Order Bill follows on from concerns about the tactics of protestors outside some abortion clinics, harassment outside abortion providers is a real barrier to access for many women. Buffer zones were first used in the UK by Ealing Council in 2018. They proved to be effective in ensuring women’s safety and safe passage, and subsequently inspired and informed this current legislation. A Government review revealed that in 2017 alone, anti-abortion demonstrations took place outside 36 different hospitals and clinics. We know from the research that, every year, 100,000 women who try to access abortion services for various reasons, including women who have had miscarriages and therefore need an abortion, are targeted by these protesters. That is half of all women attending these clinics. This is not a minor issue nor a localised one, it is in dire need of addressing.

I hope this sets out my own view of this specific clause and I will continue my support through its passage.