Row grows as Tory MP defends action to block Bill against FGM

A CONSERVATIVE MP sparked fresh controversy today by defending his decision to block a Bill protecting girls from female genital mutilation.

Sir Christopher Chope rejected criticism of his action, insisting there had been a “predictable Twitter storm” from campaigners. Last year he faced a massive backlash from his own party after he objected to a bill on making photo “upskirting” illegal.

Over the weekend he was branded a “misogynist” by members of his own Dorset association, who have called for an emergency meeting for him to explain why he objects to so many Private Members’ Bills (PMBs).

Anti-FGM campaigner Nimco Ali said today he should be deselected and replaced with an MP who “understands we need to protect our children”.

The Bill, tabled by Lord Berkeley and sponsored by Tory MP Zac Goldsmith, would amend the Children Act to enable courts to issue protection orders if they think a child is at risk of FGM. But parliamentary rules mean it only requires one MP to shout “object” to a Private Members’ Bill, which is listed for a second reading but not debated, to block its progress.

The veteran MP has said he blocks PMBs as a matter of principle because he does not agree that they can be allowed to proceed without a debate.

In a letter to his association in Christchurch, published today, Sir Christopher, 71 claimed he had been “assiduous” in looking into the arguments around changing the law to protect victims of FGM.

He said families would have to risk the “emotional and financial burden” of their children being put into care while police carry out an investigation. “Surely these concerns merit examination through debate and scrutiny?” he wrote.