A serious and important measure was passed by the Commons amid the psychodrama of Liz Truss’s unravelling premiership. It was an amendment to the public order bill, which banned pro-life campaigners from assembling within 150 metres of an abortion clinic. It would threaten with a six month sentence not only those who harass those providing abortions or having them (for which there are laws already) but also anyone who “persistently, continuously or repeatedly occupies (holds a silent vigil, in other words) or who “advises or persuades, attempts to advise or persuade, or otherwise express opinion”.  This egregiously repressive measure was supported by another Labour MP, Stella Creasy, who gave as instances of the offences “calling someone mum” or “offering to pray for them” or offering them a plastic foetus. The other offence they committed was to try and change someone’s mind once they’d made it up. But isn’t that what protest is meant to be about?