Upskirting is an absolutely unacceptable practice and I am determined to ensure that such an intrusive act is tackled robustly. Upskirting is a hideous invasion of privacy which leaves victims feeling degraded and distressed. There should be no doubt that such acts are illegal and will not be tolerated.
Although there are existing offences that can be used to punish upskirting in some circumstances, there is a gap in the law. The offences of outraging public decency or voyeurism may be used to capture upskirting, but there may be activities that are not caught by either provision.
I welcome the Government's Voyeurism (Offences) Act which closes that loophole and ensures there is no doubt that this activity is criminal and will not be tolerated. For the most serious sexual offences, this law will ensure that the offender is also placed on the sex offenders register.
Last updated May 2019