Abortion in Northern Ireland

Thank you for contacting me about abortion in Northern Ireland.
 
Abortion remains a highly sensitive issue, whatever one’s view.  It is especially important, I believe, for it to be approached with care and sensitivity.
 
I understand that the Irish Republic’s referendum has undoubtedly reinvigorated debate within Northern Ireland, but it is important to be clear that the referendum was specific to the Republic, where this change requires an amendment to their constitution which itself requires a referendum.  The referendum now allows for legislation amending Ireland's abortion law to be debated and passed through both Houses of the Oireachtas.

I support the Government's belief that any future reform in Northern Ireland must be debated and decided by the people of Northern Ireland and their locally-elected politicians. This has been the position of successive Governments, both Conservative and Labour.
 
I very much therefore welcome the Secretary of State's recent commitment to work closely with Northern Ireland's political parties to restore strong, inclusive devolved government at the earliest opportunity.
 
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.