The four main party leaders in Northern Ireland have written to Westminster MPs to state their opposition to plans to extend the 1967 Abortion Act.

The Liberal Democrats have proposed an amendment to have the Abortion Act extended to Northern Ireland.

It is the first time all four parties have taken a united stand on a major issue.

The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill is due for a second reading in the House of Commons on Monday.

Jeffrey Donaldson, chairman of the assembly's pro-life group, said: "The pro-life group in the assembly thought it would be useful for the four leaders to write to each MP re-stating that position.

I think it's a very powerful message we have here, four political leaders coming from very diverse political perspectives but united in their view that we do not want the 1967 Act, with all its implications, imposed on Northern Ireland and that the issue of abortion is a matter that should be left to the assembly itself."

Source : BBC News

See also : Precious Life support NI Party Leaders' opposition to abortion law

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