Upskirting law would 'also protect men in kilts'

A new proposed law making “upskirting” a specific criminal offence will protect men wearing kilts as well as women in skirts, a government spokeswoman said.

Speaking in the House of Lords, Baroness Vere of Norbiton said the new law would protect the “bodily dignity” of all genders.

She said this would include "kilt upskirting", as she explained the government’s plans for the Bill.

Ministers announced a new law would be introduced after a Tory MP blocked a backbench Bill to ban the practice of surreptitiously taking photos of underwear.

Sir Christopher Chope faced a furious backlash after he objected to the proposed Bill last Friday and his parliamentary office has since been adorned with four pairs of knickers, bound together with a pink ribbon, in protest.

If the law is passed, people who take photos up a person’s skirt could face up to two years in prison.

The bill will be introduced to the House of Commons on Thursday.