“Are we a civilised nation or a nation of barbarians?” asked Calvin Robinson at SPUC’s 2023 National Conference. Opening the three-day event, Robinson called for a “shift in pace” and for men to protect women and their unborn children from abortion.

Last Friday, Calvin Robinson, a deacon in the Free Church of England and a presenter on GB News, opened SPUC’s 2023 National Conference with a speech calling for spiritual renewal and a return to family values.

Addressing the root causes of abortion, including the modern “transactional attitude towards sex”, Robinson called for a “shift in pace” to respond to the devaluation of marriage, swallowed up by the rising tide of “temporary… worldly pleasure”.  

He also called on men to stand up and be counted in the effort to protect women and their babies from abortion.

“I don’t care what you call me”, he said. “I think as a man that I should be standing up for women… That’s a man’s role to speak up for women… That’s a good thing.”

Robinson also commented on the case of Isabel Vaughan-Spruce, arrested twice for praying silently outside an abortion facility. On Friday, Vaughan-Spruce, already acquitted once, was notified that the police had dropped the second case against her.

But this win was “bittersweet”, Robinson added, since “these buffer zones should not exist in the first place”. Decrying “political” attempts of certain authorities to use the police to intimidate pro-lifers, he called on the government to provide clarity and ensure that such arrests never happen again.

“We are reaching new people, new audiences”

SPUC’s National Conference, the first since the outbreak of COVID-19, was held in Milton Keynes between 22 and 24 September.

Roughly two-thirds of delegates were first-time attendees, “a very encouraging sign”, said SPUC’s Michael Robinson, Executive Director (Public Affairs and Legal Services). “We are reaching new people, new audiences.”

Delegates gained insight from speakers who also updated them on the current work and future vision of SPUC. While recognising the challenges faced by the pro-life community, the prevailing tone of the conference was hope and action.

SPUC also showcased its most recent projects and innovations, including campaigns and online outreach through such shows as Real Time, hosted by Catherine Mockler, which can be viewed on SPUC's YouTube channel.

The three-day conference also provided delegates with the opportunity to meet fellow pro-lifers, make new friends and share insights.

Abortion is a “spiritual issue”, not only a matter of politics

SPUC’s Daniel Frampton, Editorial Officer, said: “Calvin’s speech to delegates went down very well, underlining for SPUC supporters the importance of addressing the root causes of abortion and the culture of death that afflicts the West.

“While abortion is a political issue, it is also a spiritual issue, which Calvin explained in his typically straightforward manner that makes him one of GB News’ most valued and popular presenters.

“At a time when free speech and even prayer is under attack, and when pro-lifers most especially are on the frontline of this battle, it becomes even more vital that every man and woman stand up for what is right and just in this age of intolerance.

“SPUC thanks Calvin for his words of wisdom and spiritual rededication to the defence of unborn children and their mothers.”