Staying silent not an option for Number 10

WHEN Theresa May took the keys to Downing Street in July 2016, she could never have imagined today’s major political headache.

Becoming only the UK’s second female Prime Minister, she vowed to fight for women. Now she faces the biggest test of whether she can deliver on that promise.

Less than two years on, her almighty general election flop means her weak grip on power relies on the Democratic Unionist Party. And after a power-sharing deal between the DUP and Sinn Fein dramatically collapsed, Northern Ireland is without a government. It leaves Mrs May in a tricky position. Labour last night announced it will call on her to back legislation to extend abortion rights to the women of Northern Ireland. Leading female ministers and senior women in her party also want change. But Mrs May’s reliance on the DUP to prop her up in Number 10 makes life difficult. The DUP opposes any liberalisation. Abortions are only legal in Northern Ireland if the life or mental health of the mother is at risk.

Mrs May yesterday congratulated the Irish on their “successful campaign”.

But the PM was silent on calls to end the abortion ban in Northern Ireland. She will be unable to keep quiet much longer.