EALING Central and Acton MP Rupa Huq says the overwhelming Commons vote last night (7) for her proposal to protect women using abortion clinics from harassment was an emotional moment.   

Dr Huq said: “I’ve long campaigned for Safe Access Zones to protect clinic users from intimidation and harassment, having spoken some 30 times in Parliament on this.”

The UK’s first example was introduced outside the Marie Stopes clinic in Mattock Lane, Ealing, in 2018.

She worked with campaigners and MPs across parties to table an amendment to the Public Order Bill.

It bans any activity within 150 metres of a clinic which could influence, impede or obstruct, or cause harassment, alarm or distress to users.

Protesters found to be breaching the zones would face an unlimited fine and a criminal record. 

The Bill has now passed its final stage in the Commons and will soon become law. 

Ms Huq said: “I’ve felt strongly about this issue for decades. The anti-choicers were outside Mattock Lane from the 1990s - and where Ealing leads the nation follows.

“The original buffer zone outside the Marie Stopes clinic has had a transformative impact for women seeking access to healthcare they are legally entitled to.

“Ordinary citizens have thanked me. They’re now able to use the pavement without having to avert their eyes from the clinic becoming the scene of debate, confrontation and public spectacle.

“The Ealing model will now be available to all women nationwide.”