London: Thousands take part in March For Life 2026

An estimated 7,000 campaigners, including several large youth groups, took part in the annual March for Life in London on Saturday.

Campaigners met for prayers in several places of worship including St Andrews CoE church Holborn, the Emmanuel Centre and an Orthodox Moleben in St Johns Gardens before the march and rally in Parliament Square.

Archbishop Richard Moth celebrated the Mass for Life at Westminster Cathedral, with 14 other bishops. (Archbishop John Wilson, Bishop Peter Collins, Bishop Paul Hendricks, Bishop David Evans, Bishop Bosco MacDonald,Bishop Patrick McKinney, Bishop John Keenan, Bishop Tim Menezes, Bishop Paul Swarbrick, Bishop David Waller, Monsignor Keith Newton, Bishop Kenneth Nowakowski, Bishop Paul Mason and Bishop John Arnold.)

A message from the Pope read out to the congregation reminded the faithful that the protection of the right to life is the "indispensable foundation for all other human rights and societal progress."

During his homily Archbishop Richard Moth focused on the sacredness and God-given dignity of every human life from conception to natural death. He emphasized that for Catholics, defending life must begin not with anger or hostility, but with prayer, compassion, courage, and faith.

This sentiment was echoed by Southwark Archbishop John Wilson, who summarized the core purpose of the gathering: "Human life matters, every life matters, from conception to natural death".

The liturgy served as a prayer for lawmakers as the UK government prepares to vote on legislation regarding assisted suicide, urging them to uphold human dignity and protect the most vulnerable.

After the Mass the crowds headed into Victoria Street marching to the Emmanuel Centre in Westminster and on to Parliament Square for a closing rally.

The stage in front of the Houses of Parliament featured keynote speakers, personal testimonies, and prayers focused around this year's theme: 'Abortion hurts the family'. Isabel Vaughan-Spruce: co-director of March for Life UK addressed the crowd regarding the UK's current abortion laws, specifically criticising rules that permit late-term procedures.

Ben Thatcher, one of the lead organizers of the event spoke about the rally's overarching theme and historical abortion data in the UK.

Amrita and her daughter shared a personal testimony on stage alongside her healthy baby girl.

Archbishop John Wilson gave an address emphasizing the core religious message of the day, stating: "Human life matters, every life matters, from conception to natural death."

Bishop Patrick McKinney from Nottingham, gave a heartfelt speech regarding faith, victory, and the future of the pro-life movement.

Bishop John Keenan who had traveled with a large contingent from Glasgow also addressed the rally.

A vocal crowd of several hundred pro-choice activists trade unionists and healthcare held a small counter protest under the Millicent Fawcett statue in the Square.

LINKS

March For Life: www.marchforlife.co.uk/2026-event-page/

Right to Life: https://righttolife.org.uk/

Good Council Network: www.goodcounselnetwork.com

SPUC: www.spuc.org.uk/