Sir Robert Buckland has given his view on America's landmark abortion ruling.
Last week, the US Supreme Court ended the country’s constitutional right to abortion when the 1973 Roe vs Wade case was overturned.
There has been outrage after the judgement saw 13 states banning abortion outright.
President Joe Biden described it as "a tragic error" and urged states to enact laws to allow the procedure.
Speaking on Sky News, South Swindon MP Sir Robert Buckland called for abortion law in the UK to be updated in response.
What could happen to abortion laws in the UK after Roe v Wade was overturned in America?
— Sky News (@SkyNews) June 29, 2022
Former Justice Secretary @RobertBuckland says there is a criminal offence of 'procuring an abortion' in the UK - but believes the law needs updating.#KayBurley: https://t.co/jYW49ntISp pic.twitter.com/2aEcCckXHe
He said: “The law could do with updating, I think it’s important to keep the law to criminalise those who force women into an abortion.
“But I don’t think the woman herself should be criminalised.
“I think we should keep the law of procurement to deal with individuals who pressure women and force them into a position of having an abortion.”
Labour MP Stella Creasy wants the right to abortion to be in the Bill of Rights.
— Kay Burley (@KayBurley) June 29, 2022
Does @RobertBuckland agree?#KayBurley FC pic.twitter.com/q6Hd35ZgpQ
The Labour MP Stella Creasy has called for abortion rights to be included in the British Bill of Rights.
The legislation has recently been introduced in the House of Commons, but Sir Robert said he did not agree with that suggestion.
“I disagree with that, the courts cannot strike down primary legislation laws passed by Parliament," he said.
“They don’t have that power in the UK, I think it should be down to MPs to repeal the law."
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