On 18 October 22, MPs voted by 297 votes to 110 to add an amendment tabled by Stella Creasy MP introducing so-called buffer zones to the Public Order Bill.
It was then debated several times in the House of Lords, where many Peers from across the House, and with different views on abortion, spelt out how it threatens free speech, harms vulnerable women, and criminalises people for the simple act of offering a leaflet.
Despite these concerns, an amended version of the Clause (introduced by Baroness Sugg) was approved on 30 Jan 2023.
On 7 March, pro-life MPs tabled an amendment which would have excluded silent prayer and consensual conversations from the legislation. MPs voted against this amendment by 299 to 116.
Click here to read SPUC's news article for more information.
You can see how your MP voted here, and read the debate here.
If you wish to write to your MP to express your disappointment that buffer zones will now go into law, you can do so using our tool below. Entering your postcode will bring up who your MP is, along with a blank space for you to write your message.
Please check how your MP voted before writing.
If your MP voted "aye", please thank them for standing up for the right to pray and help women in need. If they voted "no", you can respectfully express your disappointment.
How to do this:
- Enter your postcode in the Write to MP tool. This will bring up who your MP is, together with a blank textbox.
- Write your message to your MP.
- Press Submit. Your email will be automatically sent to your MP.
You can use examples from SPUC's written evidence at the Committee stage of this Bill.