Sign in Subscribe
Prime ministers

UK Government's Voting Record on Abortion Access Sparks Concern

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Women across the UK are growing increasingly worried about the Conservative government's stance on abortion access, with top ministers often voting against or abstaining from key votes on the issue. Anneliese Dodds, the shadow secretary of state for women and equalities, raised concerns about the voting records of senior members of the government, including Rishi Sunak, the new chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, foreign secretary, James Cleverly, and home secretary, Suella Braverman. A significant proportion of the current cabinet has voted against measures to expand abortion access, such as at-home early medical abortions and decriminalising terminations.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over 30% of the current UK cabinet has voted against implementing nationwide "buffer zones" outside abortion clinics in England and Wales, despite the measure passing with a 297 to 110 majority.
  • The cabinet has cast just four votes to expand abortion access in England over the past seven years, highlighting a concerning trend.
  • Key figures, including Rishi Sunak, Jeremy Hunt, and Suella Braverman, have consistently abstained or voted against abortion-related measures since 2015.
  • The appointment of Maria Caulfield as Minister for Women poses an "extremely concerning" threat to women's rights, given her voting history on abortion access.
  • Abortion was banned in almost all circumstances in Northern Ireland until October 2019, when the procedure was legalised despite the opposition of pro-life groups.

Statistics:

  • 35% of the current UK cabinet voted against implementing nationwide "buffer zones" outside abortion clinics in England and Wales.
  • 4 votes were cast by the cabinet to expand abortion access in England over the past seven years.
  • 100,000 women attended clinics targeted by anti-abortion demonstrations in 2019.
  • Rishi Sunak has abstained on all votes about abortions since entering parliament in 2015.
  • Maria Caulfield voted against legalising abortion in Northern Ireland and has been a vocal advocate for restricting access to abortion.

Sources:

  • Anneliese Dodds, "Shadow Secretary of State for Women and Equalities"
  • Anneliese Dodds, Labour MP for Oxford East
  • Clare Murphy, Chief Executive, British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS)
  • A UK government spokesperson
  • Rishi Sunak, UK Prime Minister
  • Jeremy Hunt, UK Foreign Secretary
  • Suella Braverman, UK Home Secretary
  • Maria Caulfield, Minister for Women

Read more