'Upskirting' could become a criminal offence, MPs are told

David Lidington, the Justice Secretary, speaks out against the practice of people secretly taking photos underneath someone’s clothing without consent

More than 60,000 people signed a petition against the practice (Getty/iStock)

“Upskirting” could be outlawed and made a criminal offence in Britain, MPs have been told.

David Lidington, the Justice Secretary, spoke out against the practice of people secretly taking photos underneath someone’s clothing without consent.

He said he took the issue “very seriously” and after more than 60,000 people signed a petition he would take legal advice to see if it can be added to the Sexual Offences Act.

Gina Martin, 25, started the petition after a photograph was taken up her skirt while she was in London's Hyde Park.

When she reported the incident, police officers told her they could not punish the man as he had “done nothing illegal”.

“I have taken very seriously the representations made by Gina Martin and from some of the police and crime commissioners,” Mr Lidington said in the Commons.

“I have asked for detailed advice on this. Before proceeding to a commitment to new legislation, I want to be absolutely certain that this would be the right course to take.”

The comments came after Richard Burgon, the Shadow Justice Minister, said he had signed Ms Martin's petition.

"This summer I was proud to sign up to the campaign launched by Gina Martin to change the law so that the disgraceful practice known as upskirting was made a criminal offence,” Mr Burgon said.

“Upskirting” is already illegal in Scotland after the law was changed by the Sexual Offences Scotland Act 2009.