DUP MP hits out at Labour ‘aggression’ in exchanges over abortion

GREGORY Campbell has accused Labour MPs of “unseemly and aggressive” behaviour during a debate on a Bill that could open the door to changes to Northern Ireland’s abortion laws.

On Wednesday evening the Commons debated an amendment to legislation which would clarify the role of civil servants here in the absence of a power-sharing Executive.

The amendment, which was put forward by Labour MPs Stella Creasy and Conor McGinn, passed by 207 votes to 117.

The amendment to the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation and Exercise of Functions) Bill calls on Secretary of State Karen Bradley to provide guidance on the legal status of same-sex marriage and abortion.

East Londonderry MP Mr Campbell said yesterday there had been an attempt to “hijack” the Bill, and the campaign to change abortion laws here was “brought into sharp focus” during the debate.

“It must be noted that these issues are a matter for both the people of Northern Ireland and their elected representatives to decide,” said Mr Campbell.

“One element of the debate which I couldn’t help but notice was the degree of celebration and aggression on display, particularly among Labour MPs speaking in support of liberalising our laws.

“Imagine the howls of outrage and indignation if a ‘pro-life’ legislative change were to be passed and MPs supporting the change were to behave in a similar unseemly and aggressive fashion, clapping and cheering as happened on this occasion.”

Mr Campbell said a “chill ran through his veins” on Wednesday when the vote went through.

Calling himself “passionately pro-life”, he added: “Being a tolerant society means we must be willing to tolerate arguments, views and opinions with which we do not agree.

“The reverse of that freedom is that our opponents must be prepared to show the same respect to views being expressed with which they do not agree.”