Statement by TUV leader Jim Allister:
“The data published by the Northern Ireland Office today shows that there was a huge response to the consultation on abortion. Over 21,200 responses were received – with a massive 79% registering their general opposition to any abortion provision in Northern Ireland beyond that which was permitted.
“I commend the many groups and individuals who took the time to respond to consultation making clear that they supported the life of the unborn. The number of responses illustrates that in spite of the noise generated on social media and the pro-abortion bias of much of the mainstream media Northern Ireland remains a Province which values the most vulnerable – unborn children.
“We are often told about the importance of ordinary people having their say. This is particularly so in Northern Ireland given the provisions of Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act. It is therefore outrageous that having ascertained that the public are opposed to the course on which they are set the NIO dismisses them in one of the opening paragraphs of this document by glibly saying:
“These views were carefully assessed and noted, recognising the strength of feeling expressed by many. However, the Government remains under a legal obligation to introduce a framework in a way that implements the recommendations of the CEDAW Report.”
“The irony of this summary of responses being published while our doctors and nurses battle to save the lives of people suffering from Covid-19 will not be lost on many people in Northern Ireland.”