Tory MP Christopher Chope's office door covered in knickers after upskirting vote

Sophie Williams18 June 2018
WEST END FINAL

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Women's underwear has been hung on the door of Tory MP Christopher Chope's office in the Commons after he blocked a bill to make upskirting a criminal offence.

The Christchurch MP has been subject to fierce criticism after he shouted object when The Voyeurism (Offences) Bill was brought before the Commons on June 15.

Women's underwear has since been hung on his office door in the Commons in protest at his decision. It was also hung on the door of his local constituency office in Dorset over the weekend.

Green MP Caroline Lucas tweeted: "Good to see some redecorating happening in my corridor over the weekend. Christopher Chope's door looking much better."

He said: “I feel a bit sore about being scapegoated over this. The suggestion that I am some kind of pervert is a complete travesty of the truth. It’s defamatory of my character and it’s very depressing some of my colleagues have been perpetuating that.”

If the bill, which was backed by the Ministry of Justice, had been given the go-ahead, it would have made upskirting a crime, punishable for up to two years in prison.

Christopher Chope
Getty Images

Commons Leader Andrea Leadsom told the regular weekly meeting of Cabinet that the upskirting legislation will now be adopted as a Government Bill to improve its chances of becoming law.

Mrs Leadsom said it was intended to secure a second reading in the Commons for the Bill in Government time as soon as possible and certainly before the summer recess, which begins on July 28.

Mr Chope faced a barrage of criticism for blocking the bill, including from his own colleagues.

Prime Minister Theresa May said: "Upskirting is an invasion of privacy which leaves victims feeling degraded and distressed.

"I am disappointed the Bill didn't make progress in the Commons today, and I want to see these measures pass through Parliament - with government support - soon."

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