SPUC considers legal action after SNP cancels event

The UK's anti-abortion group SPUC has said it is considering legal action after the Scottish National Party (SNP) cancelled a conference event. SPUC had booked the event to address the issue of 'coerced abortion' at an SNP conference fringe event, but was later informed that approval for the event had been withdrawn. The three-day SNP conference is set to begin in Aberdeen on 15 October.

An SNP spokesperson explained: "Following concerns raised by party members, we decided to withdraw approval for SPUC's fringe event. We wanted to create a conference where all members feel comfortable, but it became clear that the initial decision had not achieved that aim."

Earlier, Christian and anti-abortion groups voiced concerns ahead of the conference after a draft resolution reflecting recommendations from the Scottish abortion law reform expert group was leaked. The group had pursued a 'no regression' principle from the outset, excluding anti-abortion views, and proposed removing abortion entirely from the scope of criminal law. The SNP withdrew plans to vote on the resolution at last week's conference, a move SPUC welcomed as "a positive decision."

In a statement, an SPUC spokesperson said: "We have been in contact with the SNP conference organisers and the party's senior management since August, and at no point were any concerns raised." SPUC is proceeding with legal advice on the basis that the cancellation of the event constitutes a breach of equality law.