Liberalising abortion laws in Northern Ireland could open a "Pandora's Box" of changes in the rest of the United Kingdom, Sir Roger Gale MP has said ahead of an emergency Commons debate today.

Yesterday Labour MP Stella Creasy had her calls for the debate granted by Speaker John Bercow.

Following the result of the Irish referendum, there has been an increased level of focus on Northern Ireland, which will soon be the only part of Britain and Ireland where abortion is illegal in most circumstances.

However, Sir Roger believes discussions centring on the issue "could be a Trojan horse to try to liberalise abortion throughout the United Kingdom, particularly in England".

The North Thanet MP said: "It's opening a Pandora's Box. There have been people consistently who have wanted to raise the limit at which abortion is legally permitted.

"I've consistently opposed abortion on demand and I've accepted there are grounds where they are medically desirable. We're practically at the point where the foetus can survive outside the womb at the abortion limit.

"I know that because six years ago one of my grandsons was born three months premature and survived. I've seen the way in which a child you can literally hold in the palm of your hand can live and grow into a healthy human being."

"It's opening a Pandora's Box" - Sir Roger Gale MP

Currently, most abortions in England, Wales and Scotland are carried out before 24 weeks of pregnancy.

Sir Roger added that he would oppose any attempts made by Parliament to legislate for abortion reform in Northern Ireland.

"It is a devolved matter and should be left for the people of Northern Ireland to decide," he said.

"It's not something we should be meddling with and I shall not support something that has the potential to lead to an extension of the period during which termination is permitted in England."