Diocese Joins Thousands at 2026 March For Life

Laurette Burton, from the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Southwold, reflects on this year’s March for Life in London, which brought together thousands of people in defence of the dignity of human life.

A total of 46 people travelled on a coach organised from the Diocese of East Anglia, boarding at either St John the Baptist Cathedral in Norwich or St Pancras Church in Ipswich.

The group’s first stop in the capital was Westminster Cathedral for the March for Life Mass. Archbishop Richard Moth was the principal celebrant, with Bishop Peter Collins among 14 other bishops and 28 priests gathered in the sanctuary to concelebrate.

It was a wonderful High Mass in a packed cathedral. Members of the Cathedral Choir sang, with the congregation joining in the responses. Before the final blessing, Archbishop Moth read a special message from the Holy Father, which emphasised that protecting the right to life is “the indispensable foundation for all other human rights and societal progress”.

Around 10,000 people attended last year’s March, and that number appeared to have been exceeded in 2026. Participants travelled from across the British Isles, with many young people and families taking part. Among them was a 97-year-old woman who completed the March alongside her fellow participants.

The occasion was even more poignant this year as it coincided with the End of Life Bill being brought before Parliament once again, highlighting the importance of defending the dignity of human life at every stage.

The March concluded in Parliament Square, where speakers addressed the impact of abortion on individuals and families.

Caroline Farrow focused on the theme of the March, “Abortion hurts the family”. She highlighted figures showing that 277,970 abortions were recorded in England and Wales in 2023 and spoke about how abortion can affect entire families, particularly when women who undergo a termination already have children.

Nanaya shared her “Choose Life” testimony. After becoming pregnant at the age of 17 and being abandoned by the father, she resolved to keep her baby. Despite tremendous pressure from her sisters to have an abortion, she persevered with the support of her mother. As her pregnancy progressed, she discovered that she was expecting twins. Her sons were delivered prematurely but were perfectly healthy.

Jeff Joaquin also gave a moving testimony, describing how he had persuaded his young girlfriend to abort their child. Many years later, he came to sincerely regret his decision and gave a name to the son he would never hold or come to know.

Isabel Vaughan-Spruce, co-CEO of March for Life UK, concluded the speeches by speaking about another court case she is due to face in January for praying silently in a public street near an abortion clinic. She also urged those present to speak out against the proposed assisted suicide legislation returning to Parliament.

The Catholic bishops then came onto the stage for a period of prayer and a final blessing.

Having 46 people representing the Diocese was encouraging, but it is hoped that this number might be doubled or even trebled next year, providing an even stronger witness to the dignity and value of every human life.

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