"Parliament has been very vocal on this issue and if a government didn't act, parliament would and there would clearly be a free vote on that.

"I think this needs to be resolved. The paucity of care that women have endured in Northern Ireland is the most appalling thing and it must change, that is my view.

"If we have this ruling by the court, I think government will act.

"Certainly that has been indication of the Northern Ireland Office which leads on these issues, but if government did not, parliament would and clearly all members of parliament, including prime ministers, would have a free vote."