Abortion: Demonstrations

(asked on 10th November 2023) - View Source

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to Section 9 of the Public Order Act 2023, what is her expected timeline for implementing safe access zones.


Answered by
Chris Philp Portrait
Chris Philp
Minister of State (Home Office)
This question was answered on 16th November 2023

The Public Order Act 2023 received Royal Assent on 2 May. Implementation of the Public Order Act measures is staggered.

The Government respects the will of Parliament and is working to commence Safe Access Zones as soon as is practicably possible. We have been considering what needs to be done to ensure Safe Access Zones can be implemented as effectively as possible, with law enforcement agencies having a clear and consistent understanding around enforcement, and abortion service providers and protestors being clear as to what is expected under the new law.

The timescales for commencing the new Section 9 offence of interference with access to, or provision of, abortion services will be confirmed in due course.

Reticulating Splines