Northern Ireland parties divided over Westminster direction on abortion services

Michelle O’Neill: 'Finally women are going to get access to much-needed, modern, compassionate healthcare. Women here in the north have been failed for far too long.'

Northern Ireland Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill and DUP MP, Carla Lockhart. Picture: PA

The DUP has said that a Westminster direction that Stormont must set up full abortion services in Northern Ireland has “undermined” devolution.

But Sinn Féin, the Alliance Party and Green Party have welcomed the move by the UK's Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Brandon Lewis, with deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill stating that a “blockage” of women’s rights by the DUP had now been overcome.