Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Kemi Badenoch and Edward Argar

Thursday 28th June 2018 Commons Chamber

[Mrs Kemi Badenoch (Saffron Walden) (Con)]

T2. Does the Minister agree that making upskirting a specific criminal offence, punishable by up to two years’ imprisonment, and closing this legal loophole will better protect victims and increase convictions?

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Edward Argar)]

I am grateful for my hon. Friend’s question. Although there have been successful prosecutions for this highly intrusive practice under existing offences, current legislation does not necessarily cover all instances of upskirting. By creating a specific upskirting offence, the Government are strengthening the law in this area. We are doing exactly what she alludes to—closing a loophole—and ensuring that the most serious sexual offenders go on the sex offenders register. We are determined to continue to work across the House and with Gina Martin and other campaigners to get this important law on the statute book.