Outrage at Tory MP for blocking FGM child protection plan

Updated

A senior Tory has been condemned by Health Secretary Matt Hancock and Home Secretary Sajid Javid after he blocked child protection proposals linked to female genital mutilation (FGM).

Veteran MP Sir Christopher Chope shouted "object" when the title of the Children Act 1989 (Amendment) (Female Genital Mutilation) Bill was read out in the Commons.

Mr Hancock said he was "outraged" by Sir Christopher's actions, saying they were "wrong, pure and simple".

Mr Javid said he was "very disappointed", adding that FGM is child abuse.

Tory Zac Goldsmith (Richmond Park), who sponsored the backbench bill, said Sir Christopher had been "begged" by FGM campaigners not to block the proposal at second reading.

After the draft legislation was blocked, Mr Goldsmith added: "As anticipated, Chope objected to the FGM Bill. Just appalling."

Zac Goldsmith hit out at Sir Christopher Chope for blocking his Bill (John Stillwell/PA)
Zac Goldsmith hit out at Sir Christopher Chope for blocking his Bill (John Stillwell/PA)

Tory Simon Hoare said his fellow Dorset MP Sir Christopher was "out of tune, wrong and an embarrassment" and should quit.

"It's time he considered his position and frankly buggered off," Mr Hoare said.

Chope has been scrutinised by Parliament and by the country. Yet again he's out of tune, wrong and an embarrassment. It's time he considered his position and frankly buggered off #ivehadenoughhttps://t.co/yLXB75IKZI

— Simon Hoare MP (@Simon4NDorset) February 8, 2019

Defence Minsiter Tobias Ellwood called for Sir Christopher to explain his actions.

The Bill seeks to allow courts to make interim care orders under the Children Act 1989 in cases relating to FGM.

Such an order could be made if a court was satisfied there were reasonable grounds for believing the child is suffering – or likely to suffer – significant harm.

A local authority would have shared parental responsibility for the child until a final hearing.

The Bill has previously cleared the House of Lords.

Former minister Sir Christopher is known for objecting in principle to bills getting rubber-stamped on Friday sessions, arguing they should be subject to detailed scrutiny.

He has previously come under fire for objecting to a backbench Bill to make upskirting a criminal offence.

His own Value Added Tax Bill was earlier debated by MPs but objected to by the Government and Labour, and was later withdrawn.

Private members' bills (PMBs) are considered on Friday sittings, which run until 2.30pm.

Any PMBs listed for second reading but not debated can be blocked if just one MP shouts "object" when the title is read out.

Tory and Labour MPs also blocked other bills after they were read out in the chamber.

Labour called for Sir Christopher to lose the Tory whip.

Shadow women and equalities minister Dawn Butler said: "It's unacceptable that this dinosaur of a Tory MP consistently gets away with blocking new laws to protect the safety and rights of women.

"This makes it even more shocking that he was given a knighthood by Theresa May last year.

"Christopher Chope is causing shame and embarrassment for the Tories but also for the country, and it's time for the Tories to show they really care about these issues by stripping him of the whip."

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