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Written question asked by David Simmonds (Conservative) on Thursday, 9 July 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 13 July 2026. It was answered by Florence Eshalomi (Labour) on Tuesday, 1 September 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Prayer: Public Places

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the answer of 30 June 2026 to Question 11664 on Prayer: Public Places, whether he has issued guidance on whether silent prayer is permissible in a safe access zone by an abortion clinic.

Answer

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has not issued any guidance on whether silent prayer is permissible in a safe access zone by an abortion clinic. I refer the Honourable Member to the answers given to Questions UIN 96563 and UIN 97804.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has published guidance on the offence stated under Section 9 of the Public Order Act 2023, which is available in Annex A of Offences during Protests, Demonstrations or Campaigns | The Crown Prosecution Service. Further information is available at Abortion service protection zones in place in England and Wales - GOV.UK. Arrest and charging decisions will always remain a matter for the operationally independent police and CPS. They make decisions about how to respond to specific incidents based on their professional judgement and the circumstances at hand.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
17446
Session
2026-27
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Subjects
Abortion Public places Prayer
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk