A controversial vote designed to liberalise abortion laws "treats the people of Northern Ireland with contempt" congregations at Northern Ireland Roman Catholic services were warned on Sunday.

Baroness Nuala O'Loan and Church of Ireland Archbishop Lord Eames were behind the letter which was handed out to churchgoers and was addressed directly to Prime Minister Theresa May.

MPs have backed plans to bring in same-sex marriage along with changing abortion laws if the devolved government is not up and running again on October 21.

It formed part of a Commons debate aimed at keeping Northern Ireland running in the meantime and MPs also tabled a series of amendments, including one on the issue of abortion.

MPs backed the same-sex marriage amendment by 383 votes to 73, while the abortion amendment was backed 332 to 99.