Sexual harassers in the street will be jailed for up to two years under new law

People who sexually harass women in the street or on public transport will face up to two years in prison under new legislation.

The Government has thrown its weight behind a private member’s bill by ex-Cabinet Minister Greg Clark to make public sexual harassment a specific criminal offence.

It is understood the new legislation would cover the most serious incidents, such as aggressive or obscene comments and driving slowly alongside someone walking – rather than wolf-whistling.

Public sexual harassment is already illegal but there have been long-standing calls to make it a specific offence to clamp down on violence against women and girls in the wake of the high-profile murders of Sarah Everard and Sabina Nessa last year.

Ex-PM Liz Truss campaigned on a pledge to change the law after efforts were said to have been blocked by Boris Johnson.

Nimco Ali, an independent advisor to the Home Office – and friend of Mr Johnson’s wife Carrie, said earlier this year that there had been “pushback” in government on the issue.

The majority of respondents to a public consultation launched last year said the issue was a “widespread problem” in the UK, according to the Home Office.

Home Secretary Suella Braverman said: “Every woman should feel safe to walk our streets without fear of harassment or violence. And that is why we are supporting this bill to introduce a specific offence on public sexual harassment.”

British Transport Police Assistant Chief Constable Charlie Doyle said: “No woman should be subjected to harassment or intimidation as they travel and we will always welcome any extra help in bringing more offenders to justice.

“We have always taken reports of sexual harassment extremely seriously, however I hope the proposed legislation will reinforce our clear message to perpetrators that it simply won’t be tolerated.

“We know that all forms of sexual harassment are under-reported to police and I hope this increased awareness will encourage more victims to come forward and tell us about what’s happened to them.”

Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: ” Labour has consistently pushed the Government to introduce this new offence to protect women and girls, so we welcome the announcement today.

“Any action to tackle the epidemic of violence against women and girls is welcome, but the Government must now go further and faster.”