Thousands join pro-life march in London amid counterprotests

Thousands of pro-life demonstrators marched from Westminster’s Emmanuel Centre to Parliament Square in London for the annual March for Life UK, calling for stronger protections for unborn children and opposing further liberalization of abortion laws and buffer zones around clinics. Organizers and Catholic leaders described the event as a peaceful, faith-centered affirmation of human dignity from conception to natural death, with about 15 Catholic bishops participating after Mass at Westminster Cathedral. The gathering included speakers, workshops, and a youth summit, reflecting continued support from participants across Britain. A separate pro-choice rally drew hundreds of counterprotesters, who defended abortion rights and criticized religious and conservative opponents; reports also described disruptions during the cathedral Mass. The demonstrations took place amid an ongoing debate over abortion policy across England, Scotland, and Wales, where abortions are generally permitted up to 24 weeks under specified legal conditions.