Lib Dems claim victory as ‘Upskirting’ Bill progresses

Liberal Democrat MP Wera Hobhouse has tonight claimed victory as Parliament moves closer to making ‘upskirting’ a specific criminal offence.   The Voyeurism Offences Bill, introduced by the Government after the Liberal Democrat Bill was blocked by Tory MP Christopher Chope, passed its third reading in the House of Commons tonight. The Bill is now set to enter the House of Lords.   Wera said:   “I want this Bill to stop the vile practice of ‘upskirting’. It should be a successful tool for prosecution, but it should also act as a deterrent. Zero tolerance, no loopholes.   “This Bill has not only highlighted and sought to rectify a gap in the law, but resulted in further parliamentary debate. Debate on serious issues around non-consensual distribution of pornographic images and the production of deep fakes enabled by new technology.   “I look forward to working hard on these issues. Liberal Democrats continue to campaign to make sure the law protects victims of all sexually motivated malicious behaviour in this country.”