Submit Response is a weblog by Jack Mottram, a Help Save Street Photography
Austin Mitchell has tabled an Early Day Motion in support of photographers’ rights:
That this House is concerned to encourage the spread and enjoyment of photography as the most genuine and accessible people’s art; deplores the apparent increase in the number of reported incidents in which the police, police community support officers (PCSOs) or wardens attempt to stop street photography and order the deletion of photographs or the confiscation of cards, cameras or film on various specious ground such as claims that some public buildings are strategic or sensitive, that children and adults can only be photographed with their written permission, that photographs of police and PCSOs are illegal, or that photographs may be used by terrorists; points out that photography in public places and streets is not only enjoyable but perfectly legal; regrets all such efforts to stop, discourage or inhibit amateur photographers taking pictures in public places, many of which are in any case festooned with closed circuit television cameras; and urges the Home Office and the Association of Chief Police Officers to agree on a photography code for the information of officers on the ground, setting out the public’s right to photograph public places thus allowing photographers to enjoy their hobby without officious interference or unjustified suspicion.
It’s a shame there’s even a need for such a photography code, but with one in place, at least those of us who like taking snaps in public will have something to refer to when jobsworth security guards and bored rozzers attempt to harass folk going about their perfectly legal business.
If your MP hasn’t signed the motion the best way to get in touch and give him or her an encouraging nudge is via WriteToThem.
I’ve written to my MP, Ann McKechin, but since her record on issues like this is pretty dubious — she’s strongly in favour of dubious anti-terror legislation and ID cards — I doubt it’ll do much good. Should McKechin reply, I’ll post her response here.
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