It is hard not to be shocked, as a Tory MP has blocked a law to make upskirting illegal. Sir Christopher Chope decided to chip in with a last minute objection.
The MP for Christchurch and also a barrister, shouted out “object” to the private members bill.
He was met with shouts of “shame” by others in the house.
The Voyeurism (Offences) Bill was all set to progress into law, having won support from the Ministry of Justice before it was brought before the Commons. The new law would have created a specific offence for upskirting allowing for sentences of up to two years.
Gina Martin, who launched the campaign to make upskirting a specific criminal offence, said she was “extremely upset and disappointed”.
“We knew this was a risk, but I now stand with powerful, passionate women and men behind me and am confident that [justice minister] Lucy Frazer is committed to – and will- close this gap in law,” she said.
Labour’s shadow justice secretary, Richard Burgon, called Sir Christopher’s intervention “outrageous”.
“We can’t allow a situation where backbench Tory MPs are able to veto this necessary legislation,” he added to his criticism of Chope.
The bill will come back at a later hearing of private members’ bills. The next scheduled date is July 6.
As you can imagine many people took to Twitter to vent their anger at his actions.
https://www.thelondoneconomic.com/opinion/how-would-trump-handle-brexit-just-ask-north-korea/15/06/
