Jacob Rees-Mogg: ‘I oppose abortion, even in cases of rape’

Tory MP Jacob Rees-Mogg, who has emerged as a favourite among the party’s grass-roots membership to replace Theresa May as leader, has said he is opposed to abortion in all cases, even incest or rape, and to gay marriage.

The 48-year-old, a practising Roman Catholic, told ITV's Good Morning Britain he follows the church's teaching on abortion because “life is sacrosanct and it begins at the point of conception”.

Asked whether his objection to abortion extended to cases of rape or incest, Rees-Mogg said: “I’m afraid so.” He added that a raped woman has a “right under UK law” to have a termination and said: “I wouldn’t [stop her] because that wouldn’t be the law of the land.”

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The MP for North East Somerset also said he opposes gay marriage because “marriage is a sacrament and the decision of what is a sacrament lies with the Church not with Parliament”. Referring to his own beliefs, he added: “People are entitled to hold these views.”

A survey of Conservative activists yesterday found that nearly one quarter would like to see Rees-Mogg as leader, says the Daily Mail. Asked by ITV about his ambitions, he again played the suggestion down.

Rees-Mogg's comments provoked an immediate response on Twitter.

Sir Craig Oliver, David Cameron’s former communications chief, said Rees-Mogg’s view would not appeal to young voters and were one reason why Rees-Mogg could not be Tory leader.

But there was also some support for the Tory MP.