More than half of MPs have expressed their support for Ealing Council's decision to introduce “buffer zones” outside abortion clinics to prevent protests.

A survey of 101 parliamentarians found that 57% supported the council's decision to prevent pro-life groups from protesting outside Marie Stopes clinic in Mattock Lane, Ealing .

Ealing Council is now exploring options on how to prevent demonstrations, including the use of a Public Space Protection Orders to enforce a 100-metre buffer against protesters.

When MPs were asked if they supported the decision on October 10 , almost a quarter (24%) said they opposed it, according to the YouGov poll.

The vote, which was conducted on behalf of the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS), found that the remaining 76% said they neither supported or opposed, or did not know.

Clare Murphy, director of external affairs at BPAS, said that a “clear majority of MPs support action on anti-abortion clinic protests”.

Pro-choice campaigners lined the streets outside Ealing Town Hall on October 10

“For years, a tiny handful of individuals have been permitted to cause women seeking legal healthcare services significant distress," she said.

“As a direct result of the government's refusal to engage with this issue, these groups have become emboldened and protests have intensified.

“This cannot be allowed to continue.”

The protesters' prayers and hymns could be heard from inside the clinic

The poll was released ahead of a debate in Parliament on the issue, which will be led by Ealing Central and Acton MP Rupa Huq at 4.30pm on Tuesday (November 7).

The debate on public order legislation relating to family planning clinic will be held at Westminster Hall.

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