Rees-mogg against abortion including for victims of rape

JACOB REES-MOGG, the Tory MP tipped as a potential leader of the Conservatives, has revealed that he is opposed to abortion in all circumstances, including rape and incest.

Mr Rees-mogg also signalled his opposition to same-sex marriage.

The MP for North East Somerset, tipped as a candidate for taking over from Theresa May, is Catholic and said abortion was “morally indefensible”. A spokesman for the Prime Minister said that she did not agree with him, but stressed that abortion was a matter for an individual’s conscience.

Critics said that his comments were likely to provide a significant setback to his leadership ambitions, while the British Pregnancy Advisory Service described his views as “extreme”. Mr Rees-mogg was questioned about his views on ITV’S Good Morning Britain. He told the programme: “I’m completely opposed to abortion. Life begins at the point of conception.”

Asked if he was opposed to abortion in all circumstances, including rape and incest, he said: “Yes I am. I’m afraid so. Life is sacrosanct and begins at the point of conception.” Questioned on whether this meant a raped woman had no right to an abortion he said: “No, she would have a right under UK law. But that law is not going to change.”

On same-sex marriage, Mr Reesmogg said: “I don’t want to criticise people who lead lives that are different to mine but equally I don’t want to divert from the historic teaching of the Catholic church.”