Chancellor Phillip Hammond says government intends to fund abortions for women from Northern Ireland

Chancellor of the Exchequer Phillip Hammond has said that the current government intends to fund abortions for women from Northern Ireland who travel to England.

Women who currently travel to Northern Ireland have to pay for abortions, which are barred in almost all circumstances in NI law.

In Northern Ireland abortions are only allowed if a woman's life is at risk or there is a permanent or serious risk to her physical or mental health.

Labour had intended to introduce the policy as an amendment to the Queen's Speech in a House of Commons vote tonight.