Silent prayer could be banned outside abortion clinics as part of legislation to curb protests and allow patients safe access, it has been reported.

The Home Office is said to be proposing a 150m buffer zone around healthcare centres offering the service which will stop anti-abortion campaigners from protesting.

The Telegraph has reported that ministers are reviewing current guidelines, published last December, which allowed for “consensual communication”.

This term has been taken to mean flyering and silent prayer but the review could reportedly be putting both these things at risk.

The Home Office has put out proposals for consultation but has not said explicitly which parts of the current guidance could change.

However, it is known that Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has previously voted in favour of banning silent prayer from inside these buffer zones.