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The Law Society
of Ireland has said there Fears Raised Over Britain’s IRISH
were no references to
female trainees in a mes-
saging group that is Commitment To Abortion EXAMINER
being investigated by
the solicitors’ training |
body. Reforms In The North
It comes after a num-
ber of messaging apps October
were blocked as it was bortion reforms in
reported that inappro- Northern Ireland risk 16th,
priate content was post- Abeing slowly unpicked
ed onto a WhatsApp by UK ministers, the House 2019
group entitled “tits and of Commons heard this
week.
filth.” Northern Ireland minister
The Law Society car- Robin Walker confirmed
ried out a review of the Westminster is legally
group’s content and said required to allow access to
that it did not contain abortion and same-sex mar-
any reference to any riage unless the Northern
female students. Ireland executive is formed by
It was alleged that the October 21.
group targeted female He added the UK and Irish
students. governments both believe
One female trainee there “remains an opportunity
condemned the content in the coming days” to reach
as “misogynistic”, “sex- an agreement over the execu-
ist”, and “childish”. tive, with Northern Ireland came to their ability to make “It’s absolutely unbeliev- also to introduce a new vic-
In a statement, the Secretary Julian Smith remain- choices about their own able that anyone should do tims’ payment scheme.”
He added the Government
Law Society of Ireland ing in Belfast to continue talks body.” this and the honourable mem- would prefer the Northern
Ms Creasy said women’s
bers need to look at them-
with the parties.
said: “While the investi- And Mr Walker claimed rights have become a “bar- selves very, very seriously. Ireland Assembly to consider
gation into the private the UK Government has taken gaining chip in the Brexit Deeply troubling.” the reforms to abortion law,
messaging group by a steps to ensure it is ready to process”, and said there had In July, MPs passed the noting: “In the absence of a
small number of students meet its obligations in relation been a lack of involvement Northern Ireland (Executive restored assembly and execu-
is not yet finished, the to the reforms required, between the Government and Formation) Act. tive the Secretary of State has
Law Society has com- although Labour’s Stella women’s groups over the It placed a duty on the taken steps to ensure the
pleted its review of the Creasy (Walthamstow) was issue but claimed “it’s very Government to regulate to Government is ready to
content of this among those MPs to raise clear they’re listening to the provide for access to abortion ensure its obligations.”
WhatsApp group. concerns. churches”. in Northern Ireland, with reg- Mr Walker continued:
“The Law Society Ms Creasy said it was She added: “We cannot tell ulations required to be in “The Government then has a
remains very concerned unclear how women in women next Tuesday, who place by the end of March duty to introduce a new legal
about students engaging Northern Ireland who might might need an abortion in 2020. framework to come into force
in any inappropriate need an abortion will be able Northern Ireland, how they Terminations are only from March 31 2020. It is
messaging on to access that service and will access that service.” allowed in cases where a worth noting that during this
WhatsApp or otherwise. warned the UK Government Ms Creasy also said: “I tell woman’s life is at risk or if interim period from October
“However, the Society has created confusion. the minister now, just as I tell there is a danger of permanent 22 until the new legal frame-
Speaking in the Commons,
is now able to confirm Ms Creasy said she believes all those protesters in my con- and serious damage to her work comes into place on
March 31, other relevant laws
stituency, they won’t stop us
mental or physical health.
that the WhatsApp MPs want to see the Stormont from standing up and fighting The changes were passed relating to the termination of
group does not contain assembly and executive up for the rights of women in as part of measures aimed at pregnancy will remain in
references to any female and running, before adding: Northern Ireland to be treated keeping Northern Ireland place.”
students. “But we also think it’s impor- as equally and fairly.” public services running, two He went on: “From
“Once the investiga- tant that the women of DUP MP Jim Shannon and a half years after devolved October 22, women resident
tion has been completed, Northern Ireland deserve (Strangford) said he has been power-sharing collapsed. in Northern Ireland can con-
the Law Society will some honesty about what is left “utterly speechless” by the Opening the debate, Mr tinue to access services in
determine what further going to happen to their abortion proposals for Walker said: “Should no exec- England, and will now have
disciplinary steps are human rights. Northern Ireland from next utive be formed by the all their travel, and where
required.” “Human rights that we week, adding: “It means from October 21 deadline set out in needed accommodation costs
TP Kennedy, director pledged in July in this House Tuesday some unborn ani- the Northern Ireland met by the UK Government.”
of Education at the Law to uphold, and now tonight mals subject to research will Executive Formation Act, this “Healthcare professionals
Society, previously said the minister has shown what have more statutory protec- Government is under a statu- will be able to lawfully refer
that appropriate addi- most of us feared might hap- tion in Northern Ireland tory duty to change the law in patients to services in England
tional training and coun- pen – the slow unpicking of thanks to the Animal Northern Ireland on access to by providing the details of the
selling would be given the commitment this House (Scientific Procedures) Act abortion services, to introduce central booking service, or
same-sex marriage and oppo-
made to make sure we treated
directing them to information
than some unborn human
on the course. C
all UK citizens equally when it beings. site sex civil partnerships, and on gov.uk.” C
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