DUP threatens May in Ulster abortion row PM warned off vote on reform
THE DUP have warned Theresa May her Government could collapse if she tries to reform abortion laws in Northern Ireland.
The Prime Minister is under enormous pressure to act following the overwhelming vote in favour of legal abortion in the Republic.
But the Tories’ weak grip on power relies on the support of the 10 Democratic Unionist Party MPs.
The party, led by Arlene Foster, is strongly opposed to any reform to Northern Ireland’s strict laws.
And yesterday they told her she “would regret” allowing her party to have a free vote on any bill to reform their current laws.
DUP chair Lord Morrow warned the PM she would face “consequences” if she permitted her MPs to vote in favour of change.
Asked if he thought the DUP would collapse the Government over the issue, Lord Morrow replied: “If she allowed the Tory party to have a free vote on this, then she would have to accept the consequences. I think it is something she would regret. But it is not something I think she has any intention of doing. Why would she risk losing the support of the DUP?” No10 made clear yesterday Mrs May sees abortion as a matter to be decided in Belfast and not in Westminster. Her Government has been propped up by the DUP’s 10 MPs since she lost the Tory majority in the 2017 election.
Asked if the Government would consider allowing MPs a vote on a possible referendum in the province, the PM’s spokesman said: “That issue would be for the people of Northern Ireland and would need to be decided by a functioning executive. We are of the view this is a devolved matter.”
Campaigners point out that the Northern Ireland Executive has been suspended for 18 months. They say it is up to Westminster to act.
COWARDLY Theresa May is putting her Party’s needs ahead of common decency over the question of legalising abortion in Northern Ireland.
There was an overwhelming vote in favour of legal abortion in the Republic but in Northern Ireland even women pregnant after rape have to give birth.
But contemptible Mrs May, who relies on the support of 10 reactionary Democratic Unionist MPs, does not want to rock the boat.
Women should be free to choose and control their own bodies everywhere in the UK.
Spineless Mrs May is in office, not in power, leading a Tory Party with no moral compass.
We want to hear her speak up for what is right for women and the UK, not just for the Tory Party.