Austin Mitchell MP has drawn on cross-party support from 150 other MPs, calling on the Home Office and the police to educate officers about photographers’ rights.
“There’s a general alarm about terrorism and about paedophiles, two heady cocktails, and police, police community support officers and wardens and authorities generally seem to be worried about this.” said the MP.
The BBC web site quotes the appalling story of amateur photographer Phil Smith, who wanted to take photographs at the public appearance by a TV personality. He started by firing off a few shots of the warm-up act on stage. But before the main attraction showed up, Mr Smith was challenged by a police officer who asked if he had a licence for the camera. After explaining he didn’t need one, he was taken down a side-street for a formal “stop and search”, then asked to delete the photos and ordered not take any more. So he slunk home with his camera.
Austin Mitchell is seeking to reinforce the legal status quo, that photographers have every right to take photos in a public place. He says it’s crazy for officials to challenge them when there are so many security cameras around and so many people now have cameras on phones. But it’s usually inexperienced officers responsible.
“It’s a general officiousness and a desire to interfere with people going about their legitimate business.”
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