The Mayor of London has committed to support Metropolitan Police and local boroughs working to stop the harassment and intimidation of women accessing clinics by anti-abortion protesters.

London Assembly Member for Ealing and Hillingdon Dr Onkar Sahota called on Sadiq Khan to ensure the Met works with Ealing Council to end pro-life vigils at the Marie Stopes clinic.

At Mayor's Question Time on Thursday (November 16), the Mayor gave Dr Sahota a commitment to ensure the force will work with councils to deal with this anti-social behaviour.

Last month, Ealing Council overwhelmingly passed a motion to protect the rights of individuals from intimidation when accessing legally existing services at the clinic in Mattock Lane.

This came after local Ealing residents began campaigning for the public space outside Marie Stopes, and all clinics in the UK, to be “free from intimidation and harassment”.

Responding to Dr Sahota, the Mayor said he fully supports the motion passed and would take his lead from councils on any issues he can help with in ensuring this solution is effective.

Sadiq Khan said: "I support people's rights to campaign and protest, the ability to do so is the cornerstone of any democracy.

"However, when protesting turns to harassment - especially of vulnerable people - then something needs to be done.

"It is totally unacceptable that vulnerable women have to face what is essentially abuse when they are simply trying to receive a public service."

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

Speaking after MQT on Thursday (November 17), Dr Sahota said: “I am pleased the Mayor has been so supportive of Ealing Council in what is a ground-breaking effort to end the harassment and intimidation of those accessing legally existing healthcare services.

“It's now time for the government to ensure Metropolitan Police and the boroughs have resources to deal with this kind of anti-social behaviour and to explore whether existing powers are enough.”

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

Sister Supporter, the Ealing pro-choice campaign who ran counter-protests against vigils held by pro-life campaigners, said Sadiq Khan's commitment is a “huge step”.

They said: “We are delighted that the Mayor has vowed to support local councils in their decision to end harassment outside reproductive health centres in London.

“We thank Dr Sahota for bringing this vital question to the Mayor.

“This is a huge step forward and we urge the Government to follow Ealing's lead and introduce buffer zones nationwide."

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