Freedom of speech and assembly are under threat in the UK. We are facing repeated attempts to ban pro-lifers from offering help to women, and even praying, outside abortion clinics.

In the last year alone:

• On the 18th October 2022, MPs voted to impose buffer zones around abortion clinics. New Clause 11 of the Public Order Bill was approved by MPs by 297 votes to 110. It will create so-called "buffer zones" around abortion facilities, and make it illegal to interfere "with any person's decision to access, provide, or facilitate the provision of abortion services in that buffer zone" - an offence punishable by up to 2 years in prison. Read more here.
• The Scottish Parliament has consulted on a Bill which, if passed, will criminalise pro-life citizens for holding vigils outside abortion facilities. People could be jailed for up to 2 years for praying and offering help to women.
• In Northern Ireland, the Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) (Northern Ireland) Bill has made it an offence to "influence" anyone within a buffer zone. It faces legal challenges after a court was told that the Bill potentially violates the terms of the Human Rights Act and Article 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights.
• At a local level, Bournemouth Council has imposed a Public Space Protection Order that bans offering counselling to women seeking abortion, as well as explicitly forbidding specific forms of prayer, including audible prayers, genuflection, and even making the sign of the cross.

Buffer zones are illiberal, discriminatory and cruel. Pro-lifers must have the right to bear witness peacefully in public, and women must have the right to receive the information and support they offer.