Protests Banned Outside Abortion Clinic in Landmark Ruling

Campaigners said they were "completely elated" after a West London council voted to ban protestors from demonstrating outside an abortion clinic.

Ealing Council's cabinet voted unanimously in favour of allowing a Public Spaces Protection Order to create a protest-free safe zone outside a Marie Stopes clinic.

The decision followed several months during which the council explored a range of options on how to prevent "intimidation, harassment and distress" for women visiting the site. The Mattock Lane safe-zone follows a petition set up by local women.

Leader of the council Julian Bell said he felt the cabinet had done "absolutely" the right thing. He said:

"I believe that this is something that's long been needed, so it feels good that we are actually breaking the ground with this and leading the way.

"So I'm proud that we are doing it."

Mr Bell added that the order will be reviewed in six months "to see whether we had the outcomes we are hoping."

The safe-zone will probably come into effect on April 23 after a cooling-off period, he said, adding that the council had notice there may be a legal challenge to follow.

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