Marie Stopes International, Britain’s biggest abortion provider, warned that it must prioritise patients from the NHS

Britain’s biggest abortion provider has announced that it will begin turning Irish women away from its clinics, blaming overwhelming demand for its services.

A spokeswoman for Marie Stopes International warned that it would prioritise clients referred by the British national health service, although Irish women who had already booked appointments would be treated.

The organisation said it would refer Irish clients to the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS), which also offers terminations. A spokeswoman for the BPAS warned that its services were also under strain.

“We’re looking at our capacity across the country. Irish women may have to go to slightly different locations to access our services,” she said.

Women from Ireland and Northern Ireland who need of a termination can travel to Britain to