Speaker rules out new law against abortion

The first sitting of the Northern Irish Assembly in two-and-a-half years ended in acrimony yesterday after a lastminute bid to thwart the decriminalisation of abortion was blocked.

Despite the ongoing absence of a powersharing executive, the assembly sat after it was recalled by MLAs wishing to protest at changes to Northern Ireland’s abortion laws.

Abortion is now decriminalised in Northern Ireland.

At the start of proceedings there was an attempt by antiabortion MLAs to fasttrack a piece of private members’ legislation through in a single day to halt the abortion reform.

“DUP leader Arlene Foster said it was a shameful day”

But outgoing speaker Robin Newton prevented the matter being considered.

He said a new speaker would need to be in place before the assembly could turn to such a legislative bid.

The election of a speaker requires crosscommunity in the chamber. Such support was not forthcoming as nationalist members indicated they would not back any appointment in the absence of a powersharing executive.

DUP MLA Paul Givan insisted legal advice indicated standing orders could be suspended to allow the legislation to be considered.

Mr Newton maintained his stance.

The sitting was dominated by unionist members. SDLP members also attended, but their MLAs then walked out of the chamber. Sinn Fein did not turn up.

DUP leader Arlene Foster said it was a “shameful day”.