William Eichler 22 August 2019

Court upholds abortion clinic ‘buffer zone’

The Court of Appeal has upheld Ealing Council’s protest-free ‘buffer zone’ – the first of its kind – which is located outside of an abortion clinic in the London borough.

The council has issued a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) to prevent protestors gathering near the Marie Stopes abortion clinic in order to protect users from harassment and intimidation.

The PSPO has been criticised by civil liberties campaigners who argued it would unfairly inhibit lawful protest and set 'a dangerous precedent for freedoms in the UK’.

The High Court upheld the council’s right to create a safe-zone around the clinic and a Court of Appeal has concluded that this was the right decision.

‘We’re delighted the Court of Appeal has decided to keep our safe zone in place to clinic users and local people from harassment and intimidation,’ said Ealing Council leader Cllr Julian Bell.

‘Since we introduced the zone in April 2018, it has been working well and we have seen a dramatic reduction in activities having a detrimental effect and there has been a significant improvement to the quality of lives of local people.

‘We hope today’s judgement will provide encouragement for other councils facing similar issues, but at the end of the day, this is a national issue that deserves a national solution.’

‘I’d call on the home secretary to introduce Ealing-style safe zones across the country so other communities and visitors can also be protected,’ he added.

Cllr Joanna Camadoo-Rothwell, Ealing Council cabinet member for Community Safety and Inclusion, commented: ‘It has taken a long time and a lot of effort to get this far but today's ruling will ensure that our community and clinic users continue to be protected by this order.’

Black hole spending review image

Black hole spending review

Jonathan Werran, chief executive of Localis, reflects on what the Spending Review means for local government.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Assistant Director Planning (Chief Planning Officer)

Mansfield District Council
up to £72,011 (pay award pending)
We are seeking an experienced chief planning officer. Mansfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Mansfield District Council

Service Director – People & Culture

Cambridgeshire County Council
Up to £115k
Cambridgeshire is a great place to work and live. Cambridgeshire
Recuriter: Cambridgeshire County Council

Director of Finance (Section 151 Officer)

South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership
£108,657 - £134,787 pa
Are you a visionary finance leader ready to make a lasting impact? Lincolnshire
Recuriter: South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership

Team Leader, Short Breaks Service

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £31,586 - £35,235
Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Resourcing and Workforce Planning Officer

Durham County Council
£34,314 to £37,938 p.a. (Grade 9) Pay award pending
Are you passionate about recruitment, talent management, and workforce planning? Do you thrive on supporting managers, improving processes, and deliv Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner