Theresa May is facing a significant backlash from across the community in Northern Ireland against a vote in Westminster to redraft the abortion clause in the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation) Bill. This will remove vital legal protections, likely ushering into Northern Ireland one of the most permissive abortion laws in Europe, according to pro-life group Both lives Matter.

Baroness Nuala O’Loan and former Church of Ireland primate Archbishop Robin Eames have called on Mrs May to either scrap the Northern Ireland bill in its present form, not allowing it to complete its remaining stage and become law, or ensure that the clause is only taken forward if the people of Northern Ireland are consulted and a majority of MLAs support the introduction of any change to abortion law.

In an open letter to the British prime minister they said the move to liberalise abortion law without the support of Stormont Assembly members “treats the people of Northern Ireland with contempt”.

Over 15,000 people (as at yesterday) have added their names to the letter, including a number of other prominent leaders from across the community.

Baroness O’Loan said: “I am shocked to see that the Government has dropped their long-standing policy of neutrality on abortion and respect for devolution. In 2016 the Northern Assembly voted by a clear majority against changing the abortion law. One-hundred percent of Northern Ireland MPs who have taken their seats in Westminster voted against the amendment introduced by Stella Creasy. None of the MPs who voted for it represent constituencies in Northern Ireland.”