DUP MP Carla Lockhart says Brandon Lewis abortion intervention breaches Belfast Agreement

DUP MP Carla Lockhart said the UK Government’s introduction of new powers compelling Stormont to implement abortion laws breaches the Belfast Agreement.

Ms Lockhart (Upper Bann) told the Commons: “Can the Secretary of State also confirm that according to the devolution settlement, established by the Belfast Agreement, access to abortion services is a devolved issue and this action represents a breach of the Belfast Agreement?”

She added: “Does he not understand that at the heart of the devolution settlement was a respect for those areas which have been determined to be for the devolved authorities? There is still time for the Secretary of State to think again before he takes action which will undermine and further destabilise the devolved institutions.”

Brandon Lewis replied: “We have used every opportunity and avenue to encourage progress and offer our support over the last year, that is why I am so disappointed that we have reached this impasse. And we take this step now to further demonstrate our commitment to ensuring that women and girls can safely access services in Northern Ireland.

“Our priority is to ensure that the Department of Health take responsibility for commissioning full services, consistent with the conditions set out in the 2020 regulations – that is why we are moving forward in this way.

Speaking in the House of Commons following a request for him to make a statement on the provision of abortion in Northern Ireland, Secretary of State Brandon Lewis said: “I’ve spoken to many women and healthcare professionals in Northern Ireland.

"Some of their experiences are truly harrowing. Too many women and girls are still having to travel to other parts of the United Kingdom, to mainland Great Britain, to access this care.

“One story was of a much wanted pregnancy where sadly doctors informed the mother that the baby would not survive outside of the womb. This woman had to travel to London without her network of family support in order to access healthcare.

“She described to me a harrowing ordeal. Unable to travel back on a flight to her home because of complications and bleeding, stranded in London alone and grieving and in pain.

“I have been informed of other women, two other women, who have attempted suicide over the last year after their flights were cancelled and so they were unable to travel to England for proper care."

Mr. Lewis added: “The distress and unacceptable circumstances that women and girls continue to face at a time when local access should be readily available given the law change over a year ago, I am afraid is unacceptable.”

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