MPs also pass amendment extending abortion rights

MPs have passed an amendment to the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation) Bill calling for equal marriage to be extended to Northern Ireland.

The amendment says the Government must extend the law currently in place in England, Scotland and Wales to Northern Ireland on 21st October 2019, unless an Executive has been formed by then.

The amendment, tabled by Labour MP Conor McGinn, passed by 383 votes to 73.

MPs also passed an amendment tabled by Stella Creasy to extend abortion rights in the same circumstances.

The issues have until now been devolved to the Northern Ireland Executive. However, the main parties have so far failed to agree to establish a new one following Assembly elections that took place on 2nd March 2017.