Austin Mitchell MP has tabled an Early Day Motion in the House of Commons condemning police action against lawful photography in public places reports Amateur Photographer.
The MP for Grimsby is canvassing the support of fellow politicians following growing reports of police stopping innocent photography enthusiasts taking pictures in public areas.
The move comes just weeks after police launched a new nationwide anti-terrorism publicity campaign, alerting the public to people with cameras behaving suspiciously.
Mitchell has asked Amateur Photographer magazine to supply details of cases it has received over the past few months before drawing up the petition, which was tabled in the House of Commons on 11 March.
The MP has cited Police Community Support Officers as among the worst offenders and stressed that taking pictures in public areas is ‘perfectly legal’ urging the Home Office and the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) to agree on a ‘photography code’ to be used by police officers ‘on the ground’.
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