Statement by Jim Allister:
“The fact that Westminster has withdrawn the abortion relations for Northern Ireland means there is an onus on the Secretary of State to act urgently as abortion remains totally unregulated as a result.
“It was always my belief that the regulations went well beyond what the law required and it was nothing short of disgraceful that the Government was so dismissive of the strong opposition manifest in the responses they received to their consultation. Let’s not forget that 79% of responses registered their general opposition to any abortion provision in Northern Ireland.
“There should be a fundamental rethink by Government on this issue. Northern Ireland doesn’t want and certainly doesn’t need abortion and it’s time that was recognised”.