Review of street photography makes it to the House of Lords

Lord Bassam of Brighton has confirmed that Tony McNulty, the Home Office Minister for Security, Counter-terrorism, Crime and Policing, will shortly meet Mr Jeremy Dear, the general secretary of the National Union of Journalists, to discuss the problems. Lord Bassam made the announcement in the House of Lords last Wednesday after they began to discuss plans to review the rules on street photography.

The House also wishes to contact the Chief Police Officers and the National Policing Improvement Agency about the provision of national guidelines for use by police forces.

Lord Bassam said: "Police officers have the discretion to ask people not to take photographs for public safety or security reasons. However, the taking of photographs in a public place is not subject to any rules or statute."

His reply came after Lord Rosser aired his worries about photographers being challenged by police and private security guards when taking photographs in public places. He also raised the issue that photographers are sometimes even filmed, something Jeremy Dear of the National Union of Journalists has previously talked about. Sections of the letter he wrote to the Home Secretary raising concerns about the filming of photographers and reporters by the Forward Intelligence Team during demonstrations can be found on ePHOTOzine .

The private security industry was also discussed by the House as Lord Mawhinney said the private industry have a slightly more cavalier attitude than the police.

In response Lord Bassam said they may have a meeting to discuss the matter further as he believes there is an issue here.

Concerns regarding the hysteria surrounding the photographing of children were also raised by the Countess of Mer. She said: "All of us who have children or grandchildren like to photograph them. Is it not time that the hysteria that has built up was quelled?"

Her questions come after a father was prevented from taking a photograph of his children at a fairground due to a womens worries about her children appearing on the internet.

Lord Bassam agreed that something needs to be done to to keep a sense of proportion. He said: "By and large, most people do, but one does hear of these irritating cases."

Return to News

[CLOSE] Mike Otley

Mike Otley

Portfolio | About

Ex-Royal Air Force aircraft electrician (three tours on C130K's), one-time Freelance photojournalist and aerial 'togger'; would still be in IT marketing but for '911'. Currently Service Manager for a small, independent, family-run garage near Wokingham, Berkshire.

Posted: 23 Jul 2008 - 14:38

Mike Otley (e2 Member)

Quote:
"...However, the taking of photographs in a public place is not subject to any rules or statute."

Oh dear... That does NOT bode well given this governments track-record when it comes to sucking up to the 'do-gooders'.

Legislation - here we come.

Quote this post

[CLOSE] Hoffy

Paul Hoffman

Portfolio | About

This is a passion that is never ending. I have been photographing for 10 years now. Have been Programme Secretary and Chairman of Cheltenham Camera Club and am on the local Arts council. I love to capture that image that makes you go wow. Only do it right once in...

Posted: 23 Jul 2008 - 17:49

Hoffy (e2 Member)

But where will they stop saying is a public place. Top of Snowdon is a public place.

Quote this post

[CLOSE] Britman

Mark Boadey

Portfolio | About

Have a leaning towards sports and action and portraits. Since becoming a member on this excellent site I feel I've learned so much and that I can ask question without fear of being belittled by more experiance photographers. I'm a self confessed Motor Sports nut a...

Posted: 23 Jul 2008 - 22:17

Britman (e2 Member)

I'm with you Mike, it is good that the issue is being raised but alas it will bring in Legislation and possibly some sort of registration. Although that just wouldn't work when most mobiles have a camera now.

Simple answer is that the police, hobby bobbies and public should be made aware of the law as it stands. Mind you that ad that appeared in the London underground that made out anyone taking a photo was a potential terrorist doesn't help public awareness.

This won't end well for our freedom to take pictures in public.

Quote this post

[CLOSE] Hamish_Gill

Hamish Gill

Portfolio | About

Posted: 24 Jul 2008 - 11:30

Hamish_Gill (e2 Member)

If any legislation is put in place to lawfully prevent me from useing my camera in public places i think i would emigrate! what on earth has happend in this country to civil liberties have these people not heard of the magna carta?!

Quote this post

[CLOSE] woodrow

Kenmyr Paul Davies

Portfolio | About

Have had an interest in photography for some years, i love the feeling of wind on my face and being just 'out there' my main interest in photography lies with landscape shots; i would like to develop some portrait work but so far my attempts are awful! lol i work ...

Posted: 26 Jul 2008 - 22:27

woodrow (e2 Member)

I fear photograhic licensing or some other scheme? I despair; the only good thing is that it would provide clear guidance (upto date) for the Police instead of a range of variable responses that we currently here about.

Paul

Quote this post