The government is set to consider making upskirting a specific offence. Justice Secretary David Gauke has said he is reviewing the current law to "make sure it is fit for purpose".
This breakthrough comes after efforts by Liberal Democrat MP Wera Hobhouse and campaigner Gina Martin to ensure the law is changed so that upskirting is made illegal. Wera’s Bill to make upskirting an offence had it first reading in March and she has been demanding change from both the Justice Secretary and Equalities Minister on the issue.
Commenting on the Justice Secretary’s plan to review the law, Wera Hobhouse MP said:
“It is great to see that the government are taking this seriously. Upskirting is a horrific crime and it is shameful that it is not already an offence in England and Wales.
“Changing the law would see a focus on the victims and the crime committed against them. It would also mean that finally the true scale of this issue can be brought to light. Upskirting causes serious emotional distress and it is essential that victims are given adequate support and recourse.
“I will continue to fight for upskirting to be made what it should be: a criminal offence.”
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