Protests could be banned outside an abortion clinic for the first time in a bid to stop women and staff from being harassed and intimidated.

Ealing Council in West London will hold a vote on Tuesday evening on whether to introduce a "buffer zone" around a Marie Stopes clinic after a public consultation gathered overwhelming support.

Councillors will decide on whether to introduce a Public Space Protection Order, which would allow the council to prohibit a range of protesting activities within a defined perimeter of the clinic. People who refuse to abide by PSPOs can be subject to fines of up to £1,000.

It comes amid growing calls from MPs, led by Ealing MP Rupa Huq, for a law to impose buffer zones around family planning clinics nationally. At the end of last year 113 MPs wrote to Home Secretary Amber Rudd calling for legislation.

Speaking ahead of the vote, Ms Huq urged the Council to introduce the buffer zone so that women “can go about their lawful business” without fear of intimidation.