The government concession was announced by the chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond, who was asked by a Conservative lawmaker, Peter Bottomley, why, in the case of women from Northern Ireland, “only the poor should be denied lawful abortions.”

Mr. Hammond replied that Justine Greening, the minister for women and equalities, was in the process of announcing by letter “that she intends to intervene to fund abortions in England for women arriving here from Northern Ireland.”

The British Pregnancy Advisory Service, an organization that supports abortion rights, described the change as a “landmark moment,” but, in a statement added, “Clearly this is not the solution to the gross injustice whereby women in Northern Ireland are denied access to abortion care at home, and we look forward to seeing progress on that front.”

Jo Swinson, a lawmaker from the centrist Liberal Democrats who supported the amendment on abortion, said the government’s decision showed “the power of cross-party pressure.” She added that it was “embarrassing that the health secretary had done nothing on this so far and only the threat of a defeat prompted change.” Creasy's proposal had asked the government to ensure "the provision of adequate funding and guidance so that all UK citizens including those from Northern Ireland may access medical services including abortion procedures in England if they so wish without charge." ‘Funding for the services will be made available through the Government Equalities Office, allowing the Department of Health to commission abortion services in England for those from Northern Ireland.’

Labour MP Stella Creasy had tabled an amendment supporting NI women having free abortions in England, which usually cost around £900 on a private basis, and was backed by more than 100 MPs across the Commons. "The practical solution of the Equalities Office and health commissioning and funding abortion services will bring justice, as indicated by the judges in the Supreme Court judgment.
After six days of debate, the House of Commons of the United Kingdom votes to approve, with 323 votes for and 309 against, the policies set out in the Queen's Speech. In order to avoid a 'regret' amendment, Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond says that England's National Health Service is to provide free abortions to women from Northern Ireland with funds from the Government Equalities Office.