Prayer: Public Places
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the answer of 30 June 2026 to Question 11664 on Prayer: Public Places, whether he has issued guidance on whether silent prayer is permissible in a safe access zone by an abortion clinic.
Answered by Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has not issued any guidance on whether silent prayer is permissible in a safe access zone by an abortion clinic. I refer the Honourable Member to the answers given to Questions UIN 96563 and UIN 97804.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has published guidance on the offence stated under Section 9 of the Public Order Act 2023, which is available in Annex A of Offences during Protests, Demonstrations or Campaigns | The Crown Prosecution Service. Further information is available at Abortion service protection zones in place in England and Wales - GOV.UK. Arrest and charging decisions will always remain a matter for the operationally independent police and CPS. They make decisions about how to respond to specific incidents based on their professional judgement and the circumstances at hand.
Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →