Abortion buffer zone: How Merseyside MPs voted as…

Abortion buffer zone: How Merseyside MPs voted as plans backed

Plans to create buffer zones around abortion clinics and hospitals where protesters linger was backed by MP's.

Under the new bill, protesters will have to stand at least 150 meters away from clinics providing abortions or risk a fine and up to six months in prison if they're found harassing, obstructing, or interfering with any woman attending.

Labour MP Stella Creasy said buffer zones protected "women accessing a very specific type of health care. It does not stop free speech on abortion. It does not stop people protesting.

"It simply says you shouldn't have the right to do this in the face of somebody - and very often these people are right up in front of people."

The amendment to the Government's Public Order Bill, was approved by MPs by 297 votes to 110. The bill still has several stages to clear before becoming law, including scrutiny in the House of Lords.

Anti-abortion protests outside clinics in recent years have included displaying graphic images of foetuses, filming women and staff members and large gatherings singing hymns.

Commenting on the vote, Clare Murphy, Chief Executive of the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS) the UK’s leading abortion care provider, said: “We are delighted that today MPs have voted to protect women, protect healthcare staff, and establish buffer zones around abortion clinics in England and Wales. At BPAS, we have been working tirelessly for almost a decade to end anti-abortion clinic harassment.

"Every year, around 100,000 women are treated by a clinic or hospital for an abortion that is targeted by anti-abortion protests. These groups attempt to deter or prevent women from accessing abortion care by displaying graphic images of foetuses, calling women “murderers”, and hanging baby clothing around clinic entrances, causing women significant distress.

"Today’s vote will bring an end to this activity. This was truly a cross-party amendment, with support from across the House.

"We thank all those who have campaigned alongside us, and all those MPs who voted in favour today."

A decision on whether to ban protestors who have harassed patients outside the (BPAS) Merseyside clinic in Aigburth was delayed in August as "as more information on the proposals is being sought".

Since early 2020, Liverpool Council in conjunction with colleagues from Merseyside Police, have been investigating concerns raised about behaviours associated with individuals and represented groups involved in protests and vigils outside the clinic in South Liverpool.

How did your local MP vote in the abortion buffer zone bill?

Mike Amesbury, Labour MP for Weaver Vale voted FOR.

Paula Barker, Labour MP for Wavertree voted FOR.

Ian Byrne, Labour MP for West Derby voted FOR.

Dan Carden, Labour MP for Walton voted FOR.

Peter Dowd, Labour MP for Bootle voted FOR.

Dame Angela Eagle, Labour MP for Wallasey did not vote due to other obligations, but was "pleased to see it pass".

A spokesperson for Dame Angela said: "Angela was paired for all of today’s votes due to other obligations, so did not vote on the amendment. However, she is supportive of the amendment and the introduction of buffer zones around abortion clinics so was pleased to see it pass earlier!"

Maria Eagle, Labour MP for Garston and Halewood voted FOR.

Bill Esterson, Labour MP for Sefton Central voted FOR.

Margaret Greenwood, Labour MP for Wirral West voted FOR.

Sir George Howarth, Labour MP for Knowsley voted FOR.

Kim Johnson, Labour MP for Liverpool Riverside voted FOR.

Justin Madders, Labour MP for Ellesmere Port and Neston voted FOR.

Conor McGinn, Labour MP for St Helen's North DID NOT VOTE.

Alison McGovern, Labour MP for Wirral South voted FOR.

Damien Moore, Conservative MP for Southport voted AGAINST.

Lisa Nandy, Labour MP for Wigan voted FOR.

Charlotte Nichols, Labour MP for Warrington North voted FOR.

Ms Marie Rimmer, Labour MP for St Helens South and Whiston DID NOT VOTE.