Theresa May signals backing for new law to jail 'upskirting' sex pests
2 min read
Theresa May has signalled her support for a cross-party bid to see people who take secret "upskirt" pictures jailed or fined.
Under current laws, victims of the intrusive photography - which often sees women targeted for unwanted snaps in public places - can pursue offences of voyeurism and indecency.
But research carried out by the Press Association earlier this year revealed that police forces had pursued just 78 offences relating to the act since 2015 - with just 11 of those leading to charges.
Liberal Democrat backbencher Wera Hobhouse has tabled a Private Member's Bill calling for the act to be specifically outlawed, with hefty fines and prison terms of up to two years for those convicted of the new offence.
The bill received a major boost at today's Prime Minister's Questions, as Mrs May hinted that ministers could back Ms Hobhouse's bid.
"I share the outrage at this intrusive behaviour that she has referred to and the distress it can cause to victims," the Prime Minister said.
"We're determined to ensure that victims do have confidence that their complaints will be taken seriously.
"It is possible currently to bring prosecutions but my right honourable friend the Justice Secretary is examining the state of the law at the moment to make sure that it is fit for purpose - and as part of that work he is considering her bill in detail."
Ms Hobhouse's Voyeurism (Offences) Bill - which would beef up the existing Sexual Offences Act - has already won the backing of Conservative MPs Anna Soubry and Jeremy Lefroy, as well as Labour's Catherine West and Grahame Morris.
Reacting to Mrs May's comments, the Lib Dem MP said she was "delighted the Prime Minister has listened to our call for reform".
Ms Hobhouse added: "This would ensure women will be fully protected by the law from upskirting.
"Upskirting has been illegal in Scotland since 2009 and it is simply outrageous it is taking us so long to criminalise it here in England and Wales.
"Today marks a huge step in achieving our goal of making upskirting what it deserves to be: a specific criminal offence.
"I cannot now see any legitimate reason for which the Government would not back my bill."
MPs will have a fresh chance to debate the Bill when it gets a second reading in the House of Commons next Friday.
