The Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC) has reacted with disappointment after MPs voted to ban even silent prayer around abortion clinics.

MPs were voting on an amendment to a clause introducing buffer zones around abortion clinics, which had been added into the Public Order Bill at an earlier stage. The amendment sought to specify that silent prayer and consensual conversations outside abortion clinics would not be included in buffer zones legislation. This was defeated by 116 to 299.

Thoughtcrime enshrined in UK law

Alithea Williams, SPUC’s Public Policy Manager, said: “It is very disappointing that MPs have rejected even this modest amendment, which was trying to ensure that thoughtcrime was not enshrined in UK law. Introducing buffer zones already means that ordinary citizens will be branded criminals and subject to crippling financial penalties for witnessing peacefully and offering help to women in need.

"Today MPs have proved that they approve of arresting people even for silent prayer. They heard the outrageous example of Isabel Vaughan-Spruce being arrested for silently praying in Birmingham and decided this needed to happen nationwide."

“This is not just an outrageous assault on civil liberties, it removes a real lifeline for women,” Miss Williams continued. “Many children are alive today because their mother received help and support from a compassionate pro-life person outside a clinic. Many women feel pressured or coerced into having an abortion, and pro-life vigils give them options. Now their choices have been taken away.”