PM supports tightening law on ‘upskirting’

THERESA MAY has signalled her support for calls to tighten the law on upskirting, telling Prime Ministers’ Questions the current legislation was being examined “in detail”.

In a further sign that the Government was listening to those calling for the creation of a new law making it illegal for people to take images up women’s skirts without their consent, Mrs May told the Commons she “shares the outrage” of victims.

The PM was responding to a question from Lib-Dem MP Wera Hobhouse, and followed a campaign by upskirting victim Gina Martin, 26, who was in the Public Gallery to witness the exchange yesterday.

Mrs May said: “I share the outrage at this intrusive behaviour that she [Ms Hobhouse] has referred to and the distress that it can cause to victims. We are 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 [David Gauke] 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 is considering her Bill in detail.”

Although upskirting is a criminal offence in Scotland, victims in England and Wales are currently only able to pursue prosecution through voyeurism or public order laws, which campaigners say is not sufficient to obtain justice.

The first official figures on upskirting, obtained by the Press Association earlier this year, showed complainants as young as 10, with incidents taking place in a host of public spaces such as cafes and restaurants.