MP Makes Calls To 'End The Menace of Mattock Lane'

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Rupa Huq led a debate in Patliament on buffer zones around abortion clinics

Ealing Central and Acton MP, Rupa Huq, has called on the government to establish buffer zones outside family planning clinics.

She led a parliamentary debate on public order legislation and access to abortion yesterday ( Tuesday 7th November)

It follows a letter co-signed by another 112 MPs from across five Parliamentary Parties, with signatories from 4 party leaders including Jeremy Corbyn MP, the Leader of the Labour Party.

Dr Huq has been leading the issue in Parliament and questioned the Home Secretary, following a near unanimous vote by Ealing Borough Council to investigate options to impose a Public Spaces Protection Order around the Marie Stopes Clinic on Mattock Lane.

At that time the Home Secretary, Amber Rudd MP, told Dr Huq that she would observe the issue to see if “any further support is needed”.

Commenting, Rupa Huq said:

‘I was pleased to have the opportunity to raise the issue in Parliament, and to highlight the need for women to access legal and necessary healthcare without fear of harassment, intimidation or public shaming. This debate is not the end of the campaign, and I look forward to continuing to work with colleagues across the House to argue for a national solution. As a proud resident of Ealing I was delighted to see my home borough take action. Last month, the eyes of the world were on Ealing, but we can and must do more. The government must support local communities by introducing new legislation to protect people. Residents of Ealing have been prevented from enjoying their surroundings for 23 years. Residents and service users have firsthand experience of the menace of Mattock Lane. People in Ealing deserve their street back to enjoy and to use.

''From the friends and colleagues who attended the debate to the messages of support from fellow MPs who could not attend, it is clear that this is not an issue of left or right, but an issue of right and wrong. I’ve been campaigning on this issue since before I entered Parliament. Women across the country who need services like those offered at the Mattock Lane clinic are entitled to their privacy and their dignity. My letter attracted cross party support, and I am glad that from the tone of the debate last night that the government appear receptive to the needs of women accessing these services. I look forward to campaigning vigorously inside and outside Parliament to secure a positive result and bring an end to the gendered harassment and intimidation that takes place on a daily basis.''

 

 

8th November 2017