News & Events in the World of Photography, Printing and Design

Photography Rights Row Continues.

22nd April 2008

Photographers rights to take pictures in public are now under increaing threats says Labour MP Austin Mitchell. Speaking at the opening of the Jessops All Party Parliamentary Photographic Exhibition Mitchell told the invited guests: 'Photography has become the real, genuine, people's art.' The rise of photography's popularity it seems is soaring with the rise of digital technology and the camera phone.

Austin condemned the attitude of police and other officials who are challenging photographers' rights to take photographs in public.

His words prompted cries of support from guests, these including politicians and members of the media. Austin also welcomed the mass of support from fellow MPs for his Early Day Motion on the subject lodged in the House of Commons last month. This motion has, so far, attracted signatures from more than 130 MPs.

Austin's office told Amateur Photographer that he has received messages of support from members of the public since the EDM was tabled. Austin also confirmed his plans to raise the issue with a ministers and hopes to include a representative from Amateur Photographer magazine in the delegation to visit the Home Office.

The issue of photography and the police was covered by the BBC last week, Amateur Photographer's news editor Chris Cheesman appearing on BBC Breakfast last Friday to discuss the growing number of incidents involving photographers and the police. Meanwhile, the National Union of Journalists is set to meet the Metropolitan police to discuss police treatment of photo-journalists following the many reports of clashes during the recent Olympic torch relay in London.

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