On 18 October 22, MPs voted by 297 votes to 110 to add an amendment tabled by Stella Creasy MP introducing so-called buffer zones to the Public Order Bill. The Act was signed into law in May 2023, but Section 9, which concerns buffer zones, has not yet been put into effect.

Now, the Government has published its draft guidance which will be subject to the consultation.

Michael Robinson, Executive Director of the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC), commented: “We welcome much of the guidance, which clarifies some of the more outrageous implications in the original clause.  However, holding open the door to criminalising prayer would be a grotesque intrusion on religious liberty and thought in the UK and the Government must make absolutely clear that this will not happen.

“Freedom of religion is fundamental to our society and regardless of whether you support the draconian plans to introduce buffer zones adjacent to abortion clinics or not, trying to criminalise prayer and thought would be a chilling measure."

The consultation will end on January 22nd 2024. SPUC will be responding to the consultation and will soon be providing guidance to supporters on how to best respond.