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The Liberal Democrats have been forced to deny claims they are against abortion after comments emerged from party leader Tim Farron saying the practice was "wrong".

Mr Farron, a practising Christian, gave an interview to a Salvation Army publication in 2007, saying: "Take the issue of abortion. Personally I wish I could argue it away. Abortion is wrong," The Guardian reported.

He added: "Society has to climb down from the position that says there is nothing objectionable about abortion before a certain time. If abortion is wrong, it is wrong at any time.”

The remarks emerged after Mr Farron became embroiled in controversy over his views over whether gay sex was a sin.

Liberal Democrat election spokesman Sir Ed Davey dismissed the suggestion on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, saying Mr Farron had made it clear he is pro-choice and "we wouldn't change the law".

Asked whether the party would ban abortion, Sir Ed, who is standing in his former Kingston and Surbiton seat, said: "No. Tim has made very clear he has changed his mind.

"He's made it clear that he is pro-choice and the Liberal Democrats believe that women should have the right to choose."