Recall bid for Stormont to stop abortion laws change

PRO-LIFE activists have launched a bid to get the Assembly recalled next week.

It comes as the law around abortion will be liberalised by legislation passed by Westminster unless devolution is restored by Monday.

DUP leader Arlene Foster has backed the bid by Both Lives Matter to see the Assembly return.

But the attempt to stop the new law appears unlikely to succeed with Sinn Fein not backing it.

Both Lives Matter said 31 MLAS have signed the recall petition.

Mrs Foster told the BBC the move will give MLAS the chance to oppose the law changes.

She said: “Hopefully we will be able to debate the issue on Monday.”

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Dawn Mcavoy, from Both Lives Matter, added: “Northern Ireland has been without government for over 1,000 days. Abortion is not and never has been the stumbling block.

“We hope that it might now be the issue that helps bring the Assembly back.”

Both Lives Matter said if a new Executive can be agreed by midnight on Monday, the abortion law change can be stopped.

But MLAS would first need to elect a speaker and first ministers.

Sinn Fein said it would not participate, adding: “Arlene Foster’s ‘proposal’ to recall the Assembly is a pointless political stunt, which has no impact unless its business is to appoint an Executive who does have the power to effect legal change.

“That will clearly not be the case unless resolute action to guarantee human rights and equality in law is agreed by the DUP.”

CHALLENGE Stormont