UK Minister issues statement about photography and terrorism

[michael s.]

<p>The website of the UK publication <em>"Amateur Photographer"</em> reported yesterday that Home Office Minister David Hanson, whose portfolio includes counter-terrorism, had met with photographers and then issued a statement in which he said he wanted to ...</p>

<p><strong>"... reassure all those concerned with this issue that we have no intention of Section 44 or Section 58a [of the Terrorism Act] being used to stop ordinary people taking photos or to curtail legitimate journalistic activity."</strong><br>

<br /> <br /> The article is found here:</p>

<p>http://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk/news/Stop_and_search_and_photographers_Anti_terrorism_minister_issues_statement_news_295778.html</p>

[starvy]

<p>One has to say that a promise as such might not carry any weight whatsoever unless the senior members of the police force explicitly warn the Bobby on the beat down below that such harassment is unjustified.</p>

[michael s.]

<p>That's a very good point about the message needing to get to the officers on the beat.</p>

<p>The next paragraph of the statement suggests that this may well be the Minister's intention:</p>

<p><< ... He added: 'Guidance has been provided to all police forces advising that these powers and offences should not be used to stop innocent members of the public, tourists or responsible journalists from taking photographs.' ... >></p>

<p>Time and experience will tell whether that "guidance" makes its way down to the street.</p>