Theresa May gives pledge on upskirting and vows offenders will be made to sign Sex Offenders' Register

Prime Minister Theresa May said a vote on a specific upskirting law will return to the Commons as soon as possible, and that offenders will be added to the sex offenders register.

Mrs May said the bill will return to the commons this week with a second reading planned before July 28.

Ms May described upskirting as a "hideous invasion of privacy."

Officials said the bill would mean perpetrators were "properly punished".

It comes after Sir Christopher Chope stopped the Voyerism (Offences) Private Members Bill from completing its second reading in the Commons on Friday by calling out "Object."

He faced backlash with his parliamentary office adorned with pairs of knickers in protest.

Following the objection, Ms May told Cabinet that upskirting was "an invasion of privacy that leaves victims feeling degraded and distressed."

Sir Christopher insisted that he supported the Bill's purpose of outlawing the practice of taking photographs up someone's clothing without consent, but was acting on a long-held principle that has seen him routinely oppose backbench bills.

The Christchurch MP complained that he was being "scapegoated" over the issue and urged the Government to find the "fastest, fairest and surest passage" for a Bill banning the practice.

Without a specific law, victims in England and Wales must seek prosecution of upskirting through other legal avenues, such as outraging public decency or harassment.

Legislation in Scotland provides for a maximum two-year jail sentence.