TO cries of “shame” in the House of Commons, a Tory grandee blocked UK Government-backed plans to criminalise so-called upskirting in England and Wales.
Sir Christopher Chope dealt a blow to campaigners after announcing his objection to the Voyeurism [Offences] Bill, which would make it illegal south of the border to take a picture under someone's clothing without their consent.
Taking upskirting or downblousing images is already illegal in Scotland, where the law was changed in 2009 under the Sexual Offences Act.
Hours before Liberal Democrat MP Wera Hobhouse sought to introduce her Private Member’s Bill, UK ministers made clear they would back it at its Second Reading.
It was the crucial backing campaigners - including upskirting victim Gina Martin, 26, and her legion of famous supporters - were hoping for after months of meetings with the Ministry of Justice to thrash out terms for suitable legislation.
But the Bill - which would have progressed to the amendment stage before returning to the Commons and the Lords and, later, receiving Royal Ascent - was scuppered by veteran Christchurch MP Sir Christopher, despite the best efforts of Ms Hobhouse to get him on side from the backbenches earlier in the session.
It means the Bill will have to return for another Friday Private Members Bill session, on July 6, if it is to have any hope of becoming law this Parliamentary term.
Even then, it would only take one dissenting voice again to put a stop to its progress.
Home Office Minister Victoria Atkins, who is also a Minister for Women, and Tory MP Will Quince were among those who shouted "shame" when Sir Christopher blocked the bill.
Moments later, the backbencher also opposed Finn's Law; the Government-backed plans to give police dogs and horses extra legal protections from attack.
In a statement afterwards, campaigner Ms Martin said she had spoken to Sir Christopher, who agreed to discuss the Bill with her.
"I am obviously extremely upset and disappointed that Sir Chope decided to object on this vitally important Bill for the women of England and Wales. I remain positive, though.
“We knew this was a risk but I now stand with powerful, passionate women and men behind me, and I am confident that Lucy Frazer[a junior Minister] is committed to - and will - close this gap in the law.
"I'm positive and hopeful that he will become a supporter," she added.
A Government spokesman said: "This behaviour is a hideous invasion of privacy which leaves victims feeling degraded and distressed.
"It cannot be tolerated, so it is absolutely right that the Government supports this Bill to make 'upskirting' a specific offence.”
He added: "Whilst we are disappointed this Bill did not pass Second Reading today, we look forward to supporting these measures through the House at the earliest possible opportunity."
Labour’s Richard Burgon, who backed the Bill, took to social media to say he was “disgusted” by Sir Christopher’s action.
"Labour have supported this campaign from the start, it's time for the Government to bring legislation and not rely on Private Members Bills, which their own MPs have undermined," added the Leeds MP.
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