Theresa May 'disappointed' after upskirting ban is blocked by Conservative MP Sir Christopher Chope

Prime Minister Theresa May says she is "disappointed" that the upskirting bill was not passed, after it was blocked by a Tory MP.

A new law to make upskirting a criminal offence was blocked on Friday after an objection from Conservative MP Sir Christopher Chope.

Mr May said: "Upskirting is an invasion of privacy that leaves victims feeling degraded and distressed."

"I am disappointed the Bill didn't make progress in the Commons today, and I want to see these measures pass through Parliament - with Government support - soon," she added.

The PM signalled her support for the campaign to ban people from taking pictures up people's clothing last month.

It comes after Margot James, Minister of State for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, described Sir Christopher as a "maverick" and said "he doesn't speak for our party."

Mr May vowed that the government will "make this practice illegal as soon as we can."

On Friday afternoon, the new law was blocked at the last minute by an objection from Sir Christopher.

The Voyerism (Offences) Bill was set to progress into law, having won support from the Ministry of Justice before it was brought into the Commons.

It would have created a specific offence for upskirting allowing sentences of up to two years.

However Sir Christopher, a barrister and MP for Christchurch shouted "object".

His move prompted cries of "shame" in the Commons and backlash online.

Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said he was "dismayed and appalled".

While Sajid Javid wrote: "My daughters will be very disappointed tonight about what happened to the Upskirting Bill - despite full Government support. The law needs to be reformed."

Gina Martin, an upskirting victim whose petition to criminalise the act won her a legion of celebrity supporters and political backing, said the decision left her extremely upset but that she remained positive.

David Gauke, the Justice Secretary who collaborated with Ms Martin over her campaign, echoed the dismay within the Conservatives.

He said: "The Government supported today's Bill on 'up-skirting'. Disappointed that no progress today - the law needs to be reformed. But it will be."