David Heath (Somerton & Frome, Liberal Democrat):

"May we have a debate on what I can only term abuse of section 44 of the Terrorism Act 2000 by police? It is not satisfactory that people up and down the country are being stopped and told that they cannot take photographs - and if they have taken photographs, they are asked to delete them from their cameras-apparently on the whim of police officers. So far, people have been told that they cannot take a picture of Christ Church in the City, St. Paul's, railway wagons, Christmas lights-and of Mick's Plaice, a fish and chip shop in Chatham! Such photography is not prime terrorist activity.

Police are using anti-terrorism legislation to intervene when members of the public and photographers take shots of innocuous public scenes Helen Brooks reports in the Sunday Times. See "Briefing : No photos please".

"Editorial Photographers UK, a lobbying group, has long been critical of police behaviour towards professional photographers and claims police have set up a database of photographers who take pictures at protests and other events."

Currently being reported on the BBC Radio4, Internet Eyes allows anyone in Europe to sign up free to watch up to 4 UK CCTV cameras, which may belong to police, councils or private companies... and win £1000 each month for the best crime report.

Privacy? Who cares! The site says you can

• Earn reward money
• Have a chance at reducing crime
• Potentially become a hero and save lives
• Simply sign up for FREE, watch and report crime

So here's a tip for paedophiles and terrorists who are fed up dodging s44, PSCO's and nosey

According to the Add new comment  •  Read more

"Photographers are to "Flash-Mob" Canary Wharf - as new campaign for photographer's rights is launched.

A new campaign for photographers' rights launched this weekend - with more
than two hundred leading photographers showing their support for the PhotographerNotaTerrorist.org website by holding up a placard saying "I'm a Photographer, Not a Terrorist!" - will help all photographers to understand
and uphold their legal right to take photographs.

An open invitation from:

Photography is under attack. Across the country anyone with a camera is targeted as a potential terrorist. This campaign is for everyone who values visual imagery and press freedom.

The British Journal of Photography has begun a campaign for photographers' rights called 'Not a Crime'.

"The MPS has published advice for photographers who want to take photographs in the capital.

The BJP reports that their attempt to find out where in the UK s.44 of the Terrorism Act 2000 applies has been refused by the Home Office for reasons of national security.

"After careful consideration we have decided that this information is exempt from disclosure by virtue of Section 24(1) and Section 31(1)(a-c) of the Freedom of Information Act.
‘Section 24(1) provides that information is exempt if required for the purposes of safeguarding National Security. Section 31(1)(a-c) provides that information is exempt if its disclosure would, or would be likely to, prejudice the prevention or detection of crime, the apprehension or prosecution of offenders, or the administration of justice."

Photolegal.com is a new UK-based site that aims to produce fortnightly podcasts. The format is a couple of photographers talking with an IP lawyer and covering topical legal matters affecting photographers ranging from copyright to access rights. The first podcast is available now, the next is due around May 10th and will cover G20, Police stop and search, photography in public places and related issues.