Individuals affected by Ealing abortion clinic PSPO look to take case to European Court of Human Rights

Two individuals affected by the imposition of a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO), which created a "buffer zone" around an abortion clinic in Ealing, have appealed to the European Court of Human Rights, Landmark Chambers has reported.

The London Borough of Ealing introduced the PSPO in April 2018. It prohibits protests, prayer vigils and ‘pavement counselling’ outside the Marie Stopes Clinic.

In August last year the Court of Appeal dismissed the claimants’ appeal and upheld the PSPO in full in Dulgheriu v LB of Ealing [2019] EWCA Civ 1490.

In March this year the Supreme Court refused an application for permission to appeal.

The claimants allege that the PSPO constitutes an unlawful interference with their rights under Articles 9, 10 & 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

Ben Fullbrook from Landmark acts for the claimants, led by Philip Havers QC of 1 Crown Office Row.