The UK’s largest pro-life group, SPUC, will be working under the fresh leadership of John Deighan KSG.
Mr Deighan stepped up today, September 1st, to become the organisation’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Mr Deighan comes to his new position armed with a strong track record in political campaigning and media engagement on ethical issues over almost 30 years at both the Scottish and Westminster Parliaments. Outlining his hopes for SPUC, Mr Deighan said: “My vision is simple, I want to see an end to abortion and I am truly committed to that end. I believe the skills and resources we have in SPUC can be harnessed coherently for that effort. For too long, the pro-life issue has not been given the attention proportionate to its fundamental importance as the human rights issue of our age.
Mr Deighan added: “The enormous strength we have always had at SPUC is our massive grassroots community and how we mobilise those supporters to exert influence on our political leaders. We will continue to grow that community and invest more in online outreach and social media advertising. I believe SPUC is in an excellent position to build on our position as the leading grassroots pro-life organisation in the UK, with a powerful international reputation. I am determined to carry that effort forward at a time when society has never needed us so urgently.”
"This is my pledge"
Emphasising the organisation's role in 2021, he said:
“SPUC is a leader in the pro-life movement, both in the UK and around the world. Historically, we have shown that we have been willing to stand up even with the odds stacked against us. Indeed, we have seen that in the time of the constitutional amendments in Ireland, in maintaining pro-life legislation in Northern Ireland for over five decades, and in the court cases throughout the UK and Europe that we have participated in. When a creeping culture of death has damaged society, we have stood up and witnessed to the dignity of every person and promoted fundamental rights like those of conscience, adequate care for the sick, rights for parents and much more. In so doing, we have shown bravery, leadership and had a great effect.
Over the years we have shown leadership and courage - and courage encourages others. When everyone becomes passive and accepting of the continual encroachment of the values that we see destroying our society, they need leaders, and that is what has always attracted me to SPUC. It is that foundation that I am determined to build on and to adhere to that vision that we have supported. I am committed to the pro-life cause and aim to ensure SPUC continues to be effective in communicating the importance of the cause to others. I will continue to work enthusiastically to create and develop opportunities to enhance initiatives' effectiveness to promote justice for the unborn and the vulnerable. This is my pledge.”