Dear Michael,
Thank you for your letter to Bridget Prentice of 20 March on behalf of Mr X of address Y regarding his concerns about possible restrictions on photography in public places. I am replying as the Minister responsible for this policy area.
I can assure Mr X there is no legal restriction on photography in public places, and there is no presumption of privacy for individuals in a public place.
It is for the Chief Constable to ensure that Officers and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) are acting appropriately with regards to photography in public places, and any queries regarding this should be addressed to the Chief Constable.
However, decisions may be made locally to restrict photography, for example to protect children. Any questions on such local decisions should also be addressed to the force concerned.
signed Tony McNulty
I have contacted my MP, the Rght Hon Keith Hill MP, but I'm not holding out much hope, not only have I not recieved a reply (except for the automated one) but looking through the records, in the 16 years he has been an MP, he has not signed a single EDM.
Thank you for your email in which you ask me to sign Early Day Motion 1155 condemning police action against lawful photography in public places. I regret that I am unable to do so. I sign EDMs only in very exceptional circumstances. My personal view is that the EDM is a currency which has been debased by excessive use.
Although police officers have the discretion to ask people not to take photographs for public safety or security reasons, the taking of photographs in a public place is not subject to any rules or statute. There are no legal restrictions on photography in a public place and no presumption of privacy for individuals in a public place. It is important that people are free to take photographs in a public place.
If you have any direct examples of the police or PCSO's - either in Lambeth or elsewhere in London - being heavy handed in their approach, I would happily raise the matter with senior police officers.
Yours sincerely
Rt Hon Keith Hill MP.
Charles Hendry - MP for Wealden says he is unwilling to sign the EDM 'criticising our police force'.
Didn't realise the EDM was doing that?
pete
There's just been a response to the petition on the number 10 website. Waste of time really: http://www.number10.gov.uk/page17959
There's just been a response to the petition on the number 10 website. Waste of time really: http://www.number10.gov.uk/page17959
clicked on this link, http://edmi.parliament.uk/EDMi/EDMDe...75&SESSION=891
and my mp name his on the list, am i best to send him a e-mail, or is there no need too if hyis name is already sighned up to it
Hmmm, possibly some movement on this now, see here http://www.amateurphotographer.co.u...for_Home_Office_talks_update_news_275118.html
A week later & still no reply! bout what I expected from Ivan Lewis!
Good idea, this.
*wonders if Labour Nottingham will pull their fingers out long enough to do something about this*