An attempt to make upskirting a specific criminal offence in England and Wales has been blocked by one Conservative MP. The government had given its support to introducing the new law earlier.


But Sir Christopher Chope shouted "object" to the bill, leading to cries of "shame" from other MPs. The campaign for the law against upskirting - where photos are secretly taken under a skirt - was started by victim Gina Martin.


Liberal Democrat MP Wera Hobshouse, who brought the private member's bill to Parliament, has criticised the "out-of-touch Tory" for "sabotaging" it.
Ms Hobshouse's bill would have made upskirting a criminal offence in line with other voyeurism offences - meaning offenders could face a maximum of two years in prison.


It was expected to pass after justice minister Lucy Frazer confirmed the government would back it.


But Parliament rules mean it only requires one MP to shout "object" to block a bill's progress.