Thank you to all those who have contacted me about the issue of buffer zones around abortion clinics. I understand that there are strong views help on both sides of this debate.

I have long defended the right to speak out, to protest, to be heard and to argue for change. I believe that must be the case for protesters with whom we strongly disagree as well as for those whose views and values we support. I also accept that there is a complicated balance between the right to protest and the rights of others to go about their daily business and that this must be handled carefully.

I supported New Clause 11 at Report Stage of the Public Order Bill because I support the right for everyone to access healthcare without fear of intimidation. I believe the same principles for buffer zones outside of abortion providers should apply outside of vaccine centres. Access to healthcare is a fundamental right and we must safeguard it.

However, more widely, I do not support the Public Order Bill. I voted against it proceeding to its next stage, however it passed with Government support. In my opinion, it does not recognise the powers that the police and courts already have and the need to ensure that they can be used effectively. It does not address some of the key changes currently faced by the police and authorities, nor does it include an effective strategy to avoid disruption to essential services, and there is clear evidence that some of its measures will just not work.

In a democracy people need the freedom to speak out against authority and make their views heard. However, no one has the right to threaten, to harass or to intimidate others, to protest in ways that are dangerous or risk the safety or the lives of others.

In a debate on such a sensitive topic as this, it is important that we are all able to voice our view, but do so in a respectful way. Thank you once again for contacting me about this issue and for sharing your views, which I will continue to bear in mind.