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BUFFER zones will come into force around abortion clinics across England and Wales from the end of next month.
From October 31, protection zones will prohibit protests within a 150-metre radius around the clinics.
Under the new rules, which fall under the Public Order Act, it will be illegal to hand out anti-abortion leaflets within the buffer zone or obstruct anyone using or working at the clinic.
As peers prepare to debate reform of the 1861 Offences Against the Person Act, Labour MP Tonia Antoniazzi leads a bid to end the criminalisation of women who end pregnancies at home. LYNNE WALSH reports
DEIRDRE O’CONNOR warns about a big shift in how freedom of speech and protest are treated in new policy document before Parliament today
ANSELM ELDERGILL examines the government’s proposals to further limit the right of citizens to trial by jury