The UK Government has introduced legislation to ensure that all school pupils in Northern Ireland will be told how and where they can obtain abortion and contraception.

Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris said he was updating the requirements for relationship and sexuality education (RSE) in the curriculum.

The move has been criticised by DUP MP Carla Lockhart, who claimed that majority opinion in Northern Ireland remains opposed to abortion.

The regulations will make “age-appropriate, comprehensive and scientifically accurate education on sexual and reproductive health and rights, covering prevention of early pregnancy and access to abortion” a compulsory component of the curriculum for students.