Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Home Office

Oral Answers to Questions

Rupa Huq Excerpts
Monday 15th January 2024

(3 months, 3 weeks ago)

Commons Chamber
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James Cleverly Portrait James Cleverly
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Of course, we recognise that there is legitimacy to public protests. We also recognise that the unprecedented and unwarranted pressure that this is putting on policing around the country is having an impact on communities. My view is that the organisers have made their point, and repeating it does not strengthen their argument. Unfortunately, we are also seeing some deeply distasteful people weaving themselves in among those protesters, who are protesting on issues that they feel passionately about, but whose good will is being abused by others.

Rupa Huq Portrait Dr Rupa Huq (Ealing Central and Acton) (Lab)
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Will the Home Secretary urgently meet his hon. Friend and constituency neighbour the Member for Harwich and North Essex (Sir Bernard Jenkin) and me to speak about why it is that, although the whole House passed the Public Order Act 2023 with an amendment to ensure safe access zones for women using abortion clinics, this is now subject to a consultation that would gut the legislation? Can he meet us urgently? The consultation is due to end on 22 January, and it would not actually do what all MPs in this House voted for.

James Cleverly Portrait James Cleverly
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If the hon. Lady writes to me on this issue, I will endeavour to find out the details of the point she has made.