Protest ban at all abortion clinics?

BUFFER zones banning protests outside all abortion clinics could be introduced later this year, campaigners hope.

It comes after Ealing Council became the first in the country to create a 100metre protest-free zone outside a Marie Stopes centre in West London.

The council used a Public Spaces Protection Order, typically used to tackle begging, after women visiting the clinic allegedly suffered ‘sustained intimidation’ by pro-life protesters.

A cross-party campaign, led by Labour MP Rupa Huq, has been calling for similar zones across the country and Home Secretary Sajid Javid has promised an announcement next month.

A British Pregnancy Advisory Service spokesman said it was optimistic the Government will bring forward legislation.