DUP accuses Northern Ireland Secretary of breaching powers over abortion move

Brandon Lewis could be given powers to force Stormont’s Department of Health to roll out abortion services (Brian Lawless/PA)

A move to direct the commissioning of abortion services in Northern Ireland is an “over-reach” of the Secretary of State’s powers, the DUP has said.

The UK government is set to take legislative action at Westminster this week to give Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis the powers to force Stormont’s Department of Health to roll out abortion services across the region.