What happened to discussion?

TWO articles stood out for me in the section on the abortion debate (June 10). Firstly, we’re told that after SNP MSP Kate Forbes made a pro-life statement at a public prayer breakfast, a spokesperson for the Abortion Rights Campaign issued a statement saying she was entitled to her own personal views but that it was hugely concerning that she was linking her public duties to anti-choice sentiment.

Secondly, there was an article about Archbishop Leo Cushley opening a “pro-life office” in Edinburgh. He says that “the centre would seek to promote a culture of life by winning over hearts and minds to the pro-life cause and that practical and pastoral care would be given to women who were in very vulnerable situations”. A spokesperson for Abortion Rights responded by pointing out that this was a backlash to the referendum result in the Republic of Ireland and accused him of “being wildly out of touch with public opinion. Any attempt to demonise abortion must be countered”.

These responses by a group which has just won a referendum mirror those which we have been hearing from the Brexiters for the past two years. In a winner-takes-all scenario we have continually heard the calls for the “Remoaners” to be quiet.

Whatever happened to the concept of a more consensual political landscape which was discussed a few years ago? Serious moral or political issues should be dealt with by Government after full, inclusive debate.

Hugh Phillips Bothwell