Owen Smith is understood to be in favour of referendums in Northern Ireland on same-sex marriage and legalising abortion

Northern Ireland could vote on same-sex marriage and legalising abortion if the province was under direct rule from Westminster, under plans being considered by Labour.

Owen Smith, the shadow Northern Ireland secretary, is understood to favour putting both issues to referendums if devolved government cannot be restored, a move that would circumvent the Democratic Unionist Party’s opposition to legalising gay marriage.

Northern Ireland is the only part of the UK where same-sex couples do not have the right to marry or have their marriages legally recognised.

Polling suggests that marriage equality is backed by a majority of the Northern Irish public. Assembly members voted in favour of legalising gay marriage in 2015. The DUP vetoed the proposal using a mechanism that blocks legislation that does