Calls for buffer zones to be introduced outside abortion clinics to stop patients being harassed were rejected by Home Secretary Sajid Javid on 13 September.
He said such protest-free areas around clinics in England and Wales ‘would not be a proportionate response’. A Home Office review found cases of harassment and damaging behaviour but they were ‘not the norm’, with most activities being ‘more passive’ such as showing banners and praying.