I recognise that this is a very delicate and sensitive issue. Abortion access is the topic of contentious and emotive debate and for this reason all MPs are free to vote with their conscience on this issue, rather in line with their parties, and I support this convention wholeheartedly. The Government wishes to see safe abortion services provided within the law to women who need them.

Residents of Northern Ireland are currently able to access abortion services in England but, in general, must make their own private arrangements for so doing, because health policy is a devolved matter. The longstanding position in Northern Ireland has been that abortion is only funded and permissible in very limited circumstances.

Additionally, at present women from Northern Ireland are asked for payment, but from now on this will no longer happen. This is clearly a sensitive issue and one which has direct implications for equality in treatment of women from Northern Ireland. Following discussions with the Department of Health, I am pleased that the Department for Women and Equalities will ensure these payments be funded through the Government Equalities Office with additional funding. This will also mean that no English health services user is disadvantaged as a result of this change.