Anti-abortion group to picket office of Labour MP Rupa Huq

( Rupa Huq's constituency offices in Acton)

An anti-abortion group will be displaying what they describe as 'graphic abortion victim images' outside Labour group offices in Acton on Thursday (20th July) protesting against the views of local MP, Rupa Huq.

Called Abort67 the organisation is visiting locations throughout the UK on what they call a national ' Awakening Tour'.

2017 marks 50 years since the 1967 Abortion Act was passed, and the group highlight that there have been around 8.7 million abortions in the UK.

As both sides of the debate push their cause on this significant year, Ealing has been a particular hotspot for clashes between the pro-choice and pro-life camps. The group of volunteers has already been to Cambridge and Canterbury and will be in Acton on Thursday afternoon.

Spokesperson Ruth Rawlins said: '' We are at this location because there has been significant backlash in Ealing against pro-lifers who regularly have a presence to help women outside Ealing Marie Stopes. In Ealing, an extreme pro-abortion lobby group called Sister Supporter have been particularly vitriolic. We are specifically outside Rupa Huq’s constituency office because she is recognised as a vocal advocate for abortion. The MP has joined pro-abortion groups on demonstrations and is also pushing for buffer zones outside abortion clinics.''

She says the displays - are graphic but are legal '' because they simply depict a legal and scientifically accurate medical procedure. There is nothing abusive, threatening or obscene about the images nor the accompanying wording.''

Ms Rawlins say she cannot foresee any trouble 'unless it comes from the pro-abortion counter protesters who have often shown themselves to be quite aggressive in the past.'

The group intend to film the demonstration and it will be live streamed on facebook.

We contacted Sister Supporter requesting comment regarding the proposed picket and was told they were aware that it is taking place.

The police have been alerted. In response to the news about the planned display Ealing Central and Acton MP, Rupa Huq, said: '' The harassment of staff and bullying of women while accessing services is precisely why I have called for protection zones around clinics in the first place. 

''Ironically news of this protest came just before I did an interview with the BBC on intimidation of candidates and while it was being filmed in my office Ealing Police rang to check in with me.

''I’ll actually be in Westminster on Thursday asking questions in the House of Commons on behalf of constituents so I’m not sure what this protest by this group will achieve as the main weekday users of the building where this demonstration will take place are a pensioners club and a ballet school.”

An Ealing council spokesperson added: ''We are aware  that Abort67 may visit Ealing this week and we will be liaising with our colleagues in the police to ensure that the protest is monitored and managed effectively.''

19th July 2017