How Britain embraces the 'new prudery'

Those keen to enjoy the freedom of baring all are feeling beleaguered, finds William Langley.

They are baring all on the beaches, stripping off in the shires and going starkers in the suburbs. This month, Britain's legions of naturists mark an important anniversary, but overshadowing the celebrations is an ominous new mood of suspicion and prudery.

Not only dedicated "lifestyle" nudists but also those who merely fancy an all-over tan or a spot of skinny dipping are experiencing a toughened response from the authorities. Last week in Northern Ireland, two men who wandered naked out of the sea near Belfast were threatened with prosecution and being placed on the sex offenders' register. The police said online that skinny dipping was "NOT a good idea", and warned: "We are treating this kind of behaviour extremely seriously, and will be continuing to take action against anyone who decides to do the same."