Home abortions, sunset clauses – and the importance of votes in Parliament

Big changes to controversial social and political issues are ill suited to decisions made by Ministers and advisers behind closed doors.

John Hayes: The plan to impose abortion on demand on Northern Ireland by the end of this month – and why it should be stopped

To respect devolution, the UK Government must not impose such a drastic development on the Province. Is this a test run for England?

How Trump made himself the champion of America’s Christian evangelicals

The authors of a new book trace the enduring influence of American Puritanism, and explain how the President appeals to it.

A sign of the times. The remarkable quiet that follows Labour’s commitment to decriminalise abortion up until birth

It is not only pro-lifers who might jib at the United Kingdom acquiring one of the most permissive abortion laws in the world. 

Aine Lagan: Our next leader must have a plan For Northern Ireland

From Brexit to social issues, our Union is under growing pressure. Westminster must take a well-informed and pro-active approach to my Province.

Henry Hill: Hunt and Johnson declare Backstop ‘dead’ and promise to protect Ulster veterans

Also: Bebb to stand down as MP over Tory policy on Brexit; Bradley criticised for rushing ill-drafted Northern Irish legislation.

Northern Ireland Bill 1) Maria Caulfield: Damaging, opportunistic, anti-democratic. The Commons should reject these abortion amendments

There has been no consultation with those who live in the part of the UK that these changes would affect.

Ben Roback: The Democrats, gender, diversity, youth – and why Biden (76) may take on Trump (72)

By nominating him, they would be wagering a similar bet to the one they placed in 2016 when Clinton was selected as the safe candidate.

Iain Dale: God help the UK Conservatives (so to speak) if they become religious fanatics – like the American Republicans.

Plus: The good and bad sides of Twitter – all in my week. How it may have helped to save a life. But also saw me slagged off for something I didn’t say.

Eddie Hughes: A better way forward on abortion law for Northern Ireland

My minority report, unlike the majority one of the Women’s and Equality Committee, respects the province’s devolution settlement.

Potemkin legislation

There is a mismatch between Government announcements and Commons realities. It cannot attempt reforms without risking them being amended out of recognition.

Tom Harwood: The threat to free speech at universities is not a myth

Durham Students Union is looking into ways of shutting down a new pro-life group on campus. This group is entirely unaffiliated with the students union.

Stella Creasy & Debbie Abrahams: A referendum got us here. Now let a Citizens’ Assembly – and more direct democracy – take us forward.

We want to learn from what other Parliaments have done when faced with difficult choices. Such an assembly would report back within ten weeks.

David Shiels: Technological solutions. A greater role for the Assembly. How May could yet win over the DUP.

Rather than going over the heads of the Unionist parties, the Government needs to find a way to address their concerns.

John Hayes: Talking of threats to the Belfast Agreement, here’s another – this abortion bill to be considered next week

The British Government has repeatedly and recently confirmed that abortion law has long been a devolved matter, and it should stay that way.