Thank you for contacting me about the Domestic Abuse Bill and the implications for changes to abortion legislation.

I understand what an important issue this is for many people in the constituency. This is an incredibly delicate area of law and, regardless of the views of individual MPs, one which is treated with the utmost rigour.

I completely understand what an incredibly emotive issue this is, and I appreciate the strength of feelings on both sides. It is for this reason that, as with other matters of conscience, the Government adopts a neutral stance on abortion, allowing Conservative MPs to vote freely according to their moral, ethical, or religious beliefs. This is a convention which I support wholeheartedly.

The approach to abortion in the UK is set out in the Abortion Act 1967 and this remains unchanged. Abortion legislation can only be changed by Parliament and such decisions are made on the basis of free votes. The Government has no plans to change the 24-week limit on abortion.

In today’s proceedings, I shall be voting against any amendments which affect abortion laws, but will support this excellent legislation which will protect more victims.

Thank you for contacting me on this important matter.