IT’S been a blatant mockery of democracy. In 2016 a Left-wing council had a Public Space Protection Order imposed on the area surrounding a Marie Stopes abortion clinic in Ealing, west London, in order to stop peaceful prayer vigils by pro-life groups. A High Court decision upheld the decision after it was first legally challenged.
The Court of Appeal is now to review it tomorrow and hear an appeal by Alina Dulgheriu, a mother who was able to keep her baby after receiving support from a banned group outside an abortion facility.
It is right that the case should be reviewed. It is a matter of principle (not of opinion as to the rights and wrongs of abortion) that is at stake, as well as one of compassion. The new hearing provides an opportunity for the courts to reaffirm the fundamental right to speech and assembly.
