Jacob Rees-Mogg 'completely opposed' to abortion in any circumstance

Jacob Rees-Mogg 'completely opposed' to abortion in any circumstance The comments by the Conservative MP, seen by some as a possible future Tory leader, spark a backlash from pro-choice campaigners.

Image: Conservative MP Jacob Rees-Mogg has seen his popularity rise in the summer

Conservative MP Jacob Rees-Mogg, touted as a possible future party leader, has said he is "completely opposed" to abortion, including in cases of rape or incest.

In an interview that sparked an immediate backlash, the backbencher, a devout Catholic and father of six, also said he is opposed to same-sex marriage.

Mr Rees-Mogg, dubbed the "MP for the 18th Century" for his unashamedly old-fashioned ways, has become an unlikely social media star in the summer, and has seen his popularity and profile rise.

This week he topped a poll of Conservative supporters who named him the favourite to be next party leader.

But he dismissed any talk of a bid: "Let me be absolutely clear: I'm not a candidate.


"There is not a vacancy. I fully support Theresa May and want her to continue. And I'm a backbench MP."

However, it is his views on abortion that have drawn the most attention.

Speaking on ITV's Good Morning Britain, he said: "I'm completely opposed to abortion. Life begins at the point of conception."

Image: Jacob Rees-Mogg shared this photo of his new-born son on Instagram

He added: "With same-sex marriage, that is something that people are doing for themselves; with abortion it is something that is done to the unborn child."

Asked if he was opposed to abortion in all circumstances, including rape and incest, he said: "Yes, I am. I'm afraid so.

"Life is sacrosanct and begins at the point of conception and I think it is wrong."

He said he was expressing his personal opinion and that he would not stop a woman from having an abortion because it is allowed under British law.

On same-sex marriage, Mr Rees-Mogg said: "I'm a Catholic and I take the teaching of the Catholic Church seriously in matters of faith and morals.

"Marriage is a sacrament and the decision of what is a sacrament lies with the church, not with Parliament."

"I don't want to criticise people who lead lives that are different to mine, but equally I don't want to divert from the historic teaching of the Catholic Church."

Yvette Cooper, Labour MP and chair of the Home Affairs Select Committee, said it was shocking such views would come from somebody seen as a potential Conservative party leader.

"The shocking thing is not really Jacob Rees-Mogg's personal views - he's entitled to them.

"The shocking thing is so many people in the Conservative Party seem to think he should be their next leader. I think that's an appalling thought."

Debate: Can Theresa May hold on?

The British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS) said Mr Rees-Mogg's were "wildly at odds" with public opinion.

It highlighted the decriminalisation earlier this year of abortion up to 24 weeks of pregnancy, and MPs' support for extending abortion access for women in Northern Ireland.

Katherine O'Brien, head of policy research at BPAS, said: "We are a pro-choice country, we have a pro-choice Parliament. Rees-Mogg's stance on abortion is quite simply extreme and extremely out-of-touch."

Mr Rees-Mogg has emerged as the grassroots favourite to succeed Mr May.

The North East Somerset MP topped a survey of party supporters conducted by ConservativeHome, getting 23% of the vote.

Brexit Secretary David Davis came in second with 15%. However, 19% ticked the "other" box.

The poll of 1,309 people is seen as a reliable barometer of the grassroots mood, though it can also shift quickly.

Mrs May has said she intends to lead the Tories at the next election in 2022, though some of her own MPs are sceptical.