Press release: UK Govt abortion regulations dubbed ‘assault on NI devolution’

Controversial regulations that hand sweeping powers to the UK Government on abortion provision in Northern Ireland have been described as an “affront to the devolution settlement”.

The Westminster Abortion (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2021 allow the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland to bypass NI Ministers and the NI Assembly to compel the provision of abortion services in the Province – despite abortion being a devolved matter.

They are to be debated in the Commons this afternoon and in the Lords later this week, with both houses expected to approve the secondary legislation.

The regulations are intended to override a decision by NI Health Minister Robin Swann not to actively commission abortion services in NI following a change in the law in 2020.

Abortion was legalised in Northern Ireland whilst the Assembly was dissolved through an amendment to the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation) Act 2019.

Speaking ahead of this afternoon’s debate, Nola Leach, CEO of Christian Action Research and Education (CARE), commented:

“Whatever we think about abortion itself, there is simply no democratic case for this move by the UK Government. It is a direct assault on the devolution settlement, and it risks compounding existing constitutional tensions.

“Ministers would never meddle in the affairs of the Scottish or Welsh Parliaments in this way. There would be outrage and justifiably so. So why do they feel entitled to with NI? The UK Government must allow NI’s democratically elected politicians to take decisions on behalf of her citizens.”

Nola Leach CEO (CARE)

ENDS

Notes to editors:

For interview requests or more information please contact Jamie Gillies: jamie.gillies@care.org.uk // 07384467819

CARE is a well-established mainstream Christian charity providing resources and helping to bring Christian insight and experience to matters of public policy and practical caring initiatives. CARE is represented in the UK Parliaments and Assemblies.

Receive news from CARE each week

By signing up stay in touch you agree to receive emails from CARE. You can change your mailing preferences at any time either by getting in touch with CARE, or through the links on any of our emails.