Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps his Department is taking to introduce a new offence of cyberflashing in England and Wales.

The Government remains firmly committed to the protection of people from abuse and harm online.

This disturbing behaviour may already be captured by existing offences.

However, we are keenly aware of concerns that have been expressed over the changes in technology, including the misuse of, communications, social media, imagery, and the opportunities to abuse and upset others that such developments can bring.

That is why we asked Law Commission to review the law on Harmful Online Communications to ensure that the law is up to date and fully equipped to protect victims.

The Law Commission has completed that review and made a number of recommendations, including the creation of a new criminal offence to capture specifically the practice known as cyberflashing.

I can assure you that the Government is now actively and carefully considering that recommendation.

It is important that any changes to the criminal law are thoroughly assessed and fully evidenced.