MSI UK: House of Lords passes amendment in favour of abortion clinic buffer zones across England and Wales
Media statement
London, 31st January 2023
On 30th January, an amendment to the Public Order Bill that would introduce buffer zones in England and Wales was passed. This followed a House of Commons vote in favour of buffer zones in October 2022.
Last year, the House of Commons voted in favour of an amendment to the Public Order Bill introducing abortion clinic buffer zones across England and Wales. This was a tremendous milestone which showed a clear democratic mandate for protecting clinics from harassment.
This legislation has now almost completed its passage through the House of Lords. It has passed through first reading, second reading, committee stage, and, today, through report stage. After report stage, the Bill must go through third reading in the House of Lords before returning to the House of Commons next month.
Peers had the opportunity to debate the amendment, which was laid by Baroness Liz Sugg and co-sponsored by Baroness Liz Barker, Lord Fred Ponsonby, and Lord Bernard Hogan-Howe. It has the endorsement of MSI Reproductive Choices, along with our key partners.
Amendment 45 would introduce buffer zones without delay, and we are confident that it’s compliant with human rights law.
We were delighted to see so many Peers back the amendment, and to see the amendment pass. We now look forward to seeing MPs continue to support protecting abortion clinics when the Bill returns to the House of Commons next month.
For further information please contact:
Email: press@mischoices.org
Telephone: +44 (0) 7769 166 516
To find out more
To read our statement on the House of Commons vote in favour of abortion clinic buffer zones, click on the link below:
To read more about abortion clinic buffer zones and why we have been campaigning for national legislation, read our blogs at the links below:
- Why we advocate for national legislation on abortion clinic buffer zones
- Will there ever be abortion clinic buffer zones?
To read more about buffer zones currently in place around our clinics in West London and Manchester, click on the links below:
