Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, if he will bring forward legislative proposals to make up-skirting a criminal offence.

I am happy to confirm, that following a review of the existing law by my department, and building on the robust work of the Honourable Member for Bath, the Government will adopt the Honourable Lady’s PMB as a Government Bill. This Bill creates two new offences specifically covering the practice of up-skirting and will strengthen the law, and better protect victims.

The Bill was introduced on Thursday 21^st June and I expect it to obtain a Second Reading in the House before summer recess

I continue to support work across government - with police, prosecutors and others - to make sure this degrading offence continues to be prosecuted as effectively as possible.