Statement by TUV East Antrim spokesperson Norman Boyd:
“Today’s statement by the Secretary of State usurping power over Northern Ireland’s abortion laws illustrates that devolution is sham. Clearly when Westminster can act in this fashion on an issue which the vast majority of the public oppose, as shown in the consultation on the matter, it can act when it comes to other matters which are allegedly held up because of the lack of a local Assembly and Executive.
“Secondly, it will not be lost on many that while London is prepared to act in this fashion when it comes to abortion there is a great deal more reluctance to do anything of substance on the Protocol. Indeed, while HMG has promised legislation on a range of issues which would face difficulty making their way through the Assembly because of Unionist opposition – such as the legacy proposals, Irish language provision and now abortion – there is a reluctance to move on matters Unionists are concerned about.
“Could it be that HMG calculates that Nationalism wouldn’t tolerate a restoration of devolution on a basis which they weren’t happy with while Unionists will happily go back in regardless of what Westminster does?”