Coventry protests at Widdecombe's attacks

ON 13 February, Anne Widdecombe's 'Not on Your Life' tour arrived at Coventry Cathedral. Widdecombe and her group of anti-abortion politicians aim to get support for amendments to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill going through parliament. These amendments would attack women's hard-won right to legal abortion.

Fiona Pashazadeh, Coventry West Socialist Party.

Around 60 pro-choice campaigners gathered with banners and placards, chanting slogans at those attending, to show them there is opposition to their right-wing agenda. Among these campaigners were students, trade unionists and socialists.

In a rally after the meeting, speakers emphasised the need to continue campaigning against all attempts to erode a woman's right to choose when and whether to have children.

Coventry Socialist Party member Judy Griffiths, a local CWU branch secretary, linked the struggle for women's rights with the need for decent housing, education and a well-funded, public health service.

Socialist Party members leafleted the demo and passers-by and had some good discussions about defending women's right to choose and the connections this has to fighting for improvements in our day-to-day lives.