Hay fever hits 20m
MORE than 20 million people could suffer hay fever this summer as unusually high levels of pollen sweep across the UK.
Grass pollen, which is the worst culprit for causing symptoms and affects 95% of sufferers, is set to reach its peak.
The Met Office warned that pollen levels have been unusually high in recent weeks and are set to be high tomorrow and Monday, with England worst hit, particularly London and the South East. GOVERNMENT-BACKED plans to criminalise upskirting have been derailed after being opposed by a Conservative grandee.
There were cries of “shame!” as Sir Christopher Chope dealt a blow to campaigners after announcing he objected to the Voyeurism (Offences) Bill which would make it illegal for offenders to take a picture under someone’s clothing without their consent.
The Government stated its support for making upskirting a specific criminal offence hours before Lib Dem MP Wera Hobhouse’s Private Members’ Bill received its second reading in the Commons yesterday.
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 Assent – 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 to again put a stop to its progress.
Home Office minister Victoria Atkins, also minister for women, and Tory MP Will Quince (Colchester) were among those who said “shame” when the Bill was blocked.
Moments after blocking the upskirting Bill, Sir Christopher also opposed Finn’s Law – Government-backed plans to give police dogs and horses extra legal protections from attack.
In a statement, campaigner Ms Martin said she had spoken to Sir Christopher, who agreed to discuss the Bill with her.
She said: “I am extremely upset and disappointed that Sir (Christopher) 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 (junior minister) Lucy Frazer is committed to – and will – close this gap in the law.
“I’m positive and hopeful that he (Sir Christopher) will become a supporter.”
A Government spokesman said: “This behaviour is a hideous invasion of privacy which leaves victims feeling degraded and distressed.
“Whilst we are disappointed this Bill did not pass second reading, we look forward to supporting these measures through the House at the earliest possible opportunity.”
Justice Minister Lucy Frazer said she was confident Sir Christopher’s actions would not scupper the Bill in the long term.