Parliamentary Insult To Women

Like millions of Brits I feel deeply disturbed that the country of which I am a citizen is governed by a legislature under standing orders which permit an entire law making process to be brought to a halt because one of its members shouts ‘object’. It is a childish tradition of secret societies, public schools and gentleman’s clubs to have words and practices which mystify outsiders but within the magic circle cast the spell of belonging. It is no way to govern a country.

When it turns out the law in question was to make the humiliating practice of upskirting, which causes women and young girls very real distress, unlawful, and that it was brought to a halt by a Thatcher era grandee who is reported to have admitted to not even knowing what upskirting actually was, there is a sense of national outrage. May is among the millions appalled and has promised to put the government’s weight behind the legislation to get it through. She should also withdraw the Tory whip from Sir Christoper Chope, his constituency party should deselect him and whatever authority supervises membership in this party of shrinking numbers, should expel him.

This insult to women across our country must not be allowed to go unchallenged.