THE Government will use a "rare Parliamentary procedure" to progress the Voyeurism Offences Bill, derailed by Christchurch MP Sir Christopher Chope last Friday.

The bill, which could see those who take photos up people's skirts without permission jailed for as long as two years, will see its first reading tomorrow and its second reading scheduled for as soon as July 2.

Sir Christopher was the subject of a media storm which saw Conservative colleagues label him a "dinosaur" after he objected to the passage of the bill, later justifying his intervention on the grounds that the Government was abusing Parliamentary procedure to bypass backbenchers.

Lib Dem MP Wera Hobhouse, who originally brought the measure forward as a private member's bill, said: "I am pleased to see action being taken to ensure this bill progresses as quickly as possible.

"It is testament to the uncontroversial nature of the bill and the cross-party support it has received.

“I introduced this bill to protect the victims of this crime and therefore my priority has and will always be that upskirting becomes a specific sexual offence as quickly as possible.

"This change in the law has been delayed one time too many. I hope to see it supported by my colleagues across the Commons tomorrow.”

Ms Hobhouse will be part of a group of MPs appointed to discuss the bill and move it forward.