In an unprecedented move, the UK Government is ordering Northern Ireland Ministers to implement the controversial abortion law imposed on the Province last year.

Northern Ireland Secretary, Brandon Lewis says that the Stormont Executive has until March 2022 to fund the full-scale provision of abortion, including late-term abortions to be carried out alongside existing maternity services.

While Mr Lewis said he acknowledged and respect the “deeply-held views that individuals hold on this issue” he made clear his determination to force the devolved institutions to comply with No 10’s abortion agenda.

Westminster has stripped the province of control

Westminster passed legislation striking down Northern Ireland’s legal protection for unborn children in 2019. However, NI Health Minister, Robin Swann (Ulster Unionist), says that legally he cannot commit funding and resources to provide abortion on the scale demanded by London without the agreement of the two main parties - the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) and Sinn Fein.

Lack of consensus within the coalition government has meant that the law has not yet been fully implemented so Mr Lewis is now seeking to bypass the locally elected legislature altogether.

Devolution power grab

Although abortion policy is a devolved issue, in March Mr Lewis granted himself the power to direct Northern Ireland ministers to implement his instructions. In response, SPUC has launched a £100,000-plus legal challenge due to commence on 4 October.

Mr Gibson said: “The UK Government has imposed the most draconian and radical abortion laws on us which would never have secured a majority in the Stormont Assembly.

“[Mr Lewis] is basically bypassing the devolved institutions and disenfranchising the people here.

“It shouldn’t be tolerated and we’re asking people to write to the First Minister and deputy First Minister to urge them to resist this power grab from Westminster.”

By supporting our legal action, people will be speaking out against these illegitimate and unconstitutional regulations. They will also be giving a voice to the thousands of innocent children whose lives will be lost if Brandon Lewis, is not stopped.”

SPUC Deputy CEO, John Deighan, said: “These are the most challenging times the pro-life movement has ever faced in Northern Ireland.

“We need the prayers of pro-life supporters and as well as their financial assistance as we seek to raise the funds required for the court case.”

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