British Christian activist Isabel Vaughan-Spruce pleaded not guilty in January to a new charge connected to silent prayer near an abortion clinic in Birmingham, England. The case concerns conduct after nationwide abortion-clinic buffer zones took effect in October 2024, according to Fox News Digital.
Vaughan-Spruce, co-director of March for Life UK, told the outlet that the prosecution could discourage people from praying in public. She described the situation as “Orwellian” and said she believes people should not face social exclusion for their religious or moral views.
Her attorney, Jeremiah Igunnubole, argued that the case raises questions about whether authorities can punish private thought or prayer. He told Fox News Digital that standing inside a buffer zone is not itself a crime, and said the charge concerns Vaughan-Spruce’s silent prayer. Those are the defense’s characterizations; the supplied report does not include the charge document or the prosecution’s account of the alleged conduct.
Vaughan-Spruce previously received a settlement of 13,000 pounds from police after making claims related to earlier arrests for silent prayer near an abortion clinic, the report said. The new charge is a separate matter and remains pending.
Fox News Digital reported that it sought comment from the Home Office and the Crown Prosecution Service. Both declined to comment because of the pending case. The report did not provide a trial date or further details about the specific charge.
