Christopher Chope is at it again
The MP who blocked a bill to make upskirting – the act of taking photographs upwomen’s skirts – a crime, has how objected to a bill that would provide greater protection for girls at risk of suffering female genital mutilation.
The bill had been introduced to parliament by crossbencher Lord Berkeley, aiming to bolster the Children’s Act 1989.
The one line amendment, Lord Berkeley said, would “considerably extend protection to young girls at greatest risk of genital mutilation.”
The amendment was introduced to the house as a private members bill, but Chope objected, saying he objects to all private members bills as a matter of principle.
Needless to say, Chope’s decision to object didn’t go down well among his peers, nor with the public.
Disgraceful behaviour in the Commons as Upskirter Chope now blocks further protection for young girls at risk of FGM despite unanimous approval in the Lords.
Democracy? You must be joking!
Furious after two years of effort.— Michael Berkeley (@MichaelBerkele2) November 23, 2018
Bravo, Now PLEASE help me get my FGM Bill (which the Government backs) through the Commons. Amazing that Chope can halt an important improvement to the protection of young girls & how ironic that he has done so (for no discernible reason) on the day you launch this initiative. https://t.co/S3LxcApwO2
— Michael Berkeley (@MichaelBerkele2) November 23, 2018
Once the allocated time for debate has concluded at 2.30pm on a Friday, it only requires one MP to object to a second hearing in parliament to block a bill’s progress, which is exactly what Chope did.
Ironically, this came on the same day that the United Kingdom made a £50 million donation towards stopping FGM in Africa.
Many of Chope’s Tory colleagues strongly oppose his stance on the issue.
Tory MP Paul Masterton said: “Do not underestimate just how furious many Tory MPs are about this. This kind of thing does far more damage to the public’s view of our party than endless debates about customs arrangements.”
