Dear Sir

The National Union of Journalists, London Photographers’ Branch notes with great concern the proposed introduction of new byelaws covering Trafalgar Square and Parliament Square. We are specifically concerned with the restrictions on press photography in these areas without prior written consent:

“Acts within the Square for which written permission is required: take photographs or film or make any other recordings of visual images for the purpose of or in connection with a business, trade, profession or employment or any activity carried on by a person or body of persons, whether corporate or unincorporate.”

This is wholly unacceptable to our members and we are protesting in the strongest terms against this infringement on our right to photograph in a public place.

We are also alarmed by the prospect of fines, “forfeiture of any item seized under bylaw” and giving security guards/heritage wardens the power to demand names and addresses. The production of a UKPCA press card should be sufficient to establish a journalists identity.

These GLA proposals are impractical and if enforced will have a massive impact on news gathering and press freedom. We urge you to consider our objections.

Yours Faithfully

Jess Hurd (London Photographers’ Branch Chair)

Branch passed the following motion proposed by Andrew Wiard.

“It is the policy of this branch that “It is a logical and legal absurdity to talk of licensing works of authors who cannot be identified while there are still significant groups of authors who do not have the right to be identified”.

This branch notes with alarm that the British Copyright Council may be about to do just that, apparently with the support of the Freelance Industrial Council of the NUJ.

This branch calls on the FIC to not collude in such absurdity, but to insist on authors being granted full moral rights, including the right to be identified whenever their works are published, as a precondition for any proposed solution to the problem of orphan works.”

Branch agreed Jules Mattsson to be TUC Young Members Conference Delegate.

Branch agreed Michael Preston  to be FIC Disabled Members Seat.

AGM

Branch voted all the following unopposed – Jess Hurd, Chair – Andrew Wiard, Vice Chair – Jason N. Parkinson Secretary/Welfare Officer – Larry Herman, Treasurer – Michael Preston Equality Officer – Philip Wolmuth, Learning Rep.

The Branch voted the following people non-portfolio – Franc David and Jules Mattsson.

Membership and Legal positions were left to be discussed in committee.

The Branch also elected two auditors – John Harris and Paul Mattsson.

The Branch elected Jess Hurd and Marc Vallee DM 2010 delegates.

1 February 2011, February Committee

Nothing.

22 February 2011, February Branch

The Following motion proposed Janina Struk was passed.

“The editor of the Journalist has used and continues to use photographs supplied by agencies not known for their respect of the NUJ’s recommended pay guidelines. This is unacceptable. The London Photographers’ Branch calls on the editor of the Journalist magazine to respect trade union principles and publish only those photographs that are taken by NUJ members and paid for at the appropriate NUJ recommended rate of pay as outlined in the Freelance Fees Guide.
Attacks on photographers’ rates of pay and conditions are on the increase with some picture agencies, magazines and indeed those producing union journals quibbling over rates and paying less than those recommended by the NUJ. If our own union journal does not uphold the standards that have been long fought for by the union and its photographers, then we cannot expect others to do the same. This practice undermines the hard work of the NUJ and its photographers in the increasingly difficult struggle to keep rates of pay at fair and at acceptable levels.”

The following motion proposed by Jess Hurd was passed.

“NUJ General Secretary Jeremy Dear has announced that he will not be standing again for election. LPB would like to send its thanks for the continued support of the branch, its work and the campaigns our members have been involved in. Especially the successful “I’m a Photographer Not a Terrorist” campaign work against the surveillance and targeting of photographers. We wish you every happiness for the future.”

The following motion proposed by Jess Hurd was passed.

“This branch supports our fellow media colleagues in Egypt, their successful struggle to overthrow Hosni Mubarak and their continued strikes and protests for a free media and towards a democratically run society.

We condemn the attacks on foreign and local media. The intimidation, abduction, torture and murder of our colleagues and Egyptian citizens by pro Mubarak forces.

This branch is also outraged by the sexist comments about CBS journalist Lara Logan following reports of her sexual assault and beaten whilst covering events in Tahrir Square. This is a classic case of blaming the victim.

Men and women in the media should be free to document world events without fear of such targeting. Our role as news gatherers must be respected and we must be allowed to work without intimidation, arrest, attack or harassment.

This branches sends solidarity greetings to the newly formed free and democratic unions in Egypt and our sister media organisation. We also send our best wishes to Lara Logan for a speedy recovery.”

The following motion proposed by Larry Herman was opposed.

“That the LPB agrees to give £25 to the NUJ fund drive to buy a sound system for the 26 March Anti-Cuts demonstration.”

Branch voted Andrew Wiard to be Membership Secretary.

Branch voted Larry Herman to be Joint Secretary with Jason N. Parkinson

Branch voted Jason N. Parkinson to be Web Editor.

Secretary Jason N. Parkinson met with NUJ’s PAmela Morton and representatives from Met police to discuss EDL threats to NUJ and members. Safety precautions taken at NUJ office and affected members approached on safety while covering their protests.

2 March 2011 Committee

Agreed that the four delegate/alternatives to meet before March Branch to discuss resolutions and prepare discussion for Branch.

Andrew Wiard resigned as Membership Secretary.

Union membership issues were raised.

It was agreed Andrew Wiard, Franc David, Jules Mattsson and Larry Herman would form a “membership working group” to bring ideas to next committee meeting.

29 March 2011 Branch

The following motion proposed by Marc Vallee was passed.

“This Branch is greatly concerned by the introduction of the emergency stop and search power section 47A of the terrorism Act 2000.
This Branch agrees that police stop and search powers that do not require suspicion of an individual have and can impact on journalists right to report and record events.”

The following amendment to the above motion proposed by Andrew Wiard was opposed.

Amendment:
Delete: “greatly” in line one, and add at end: ” but recognises that it is a dramatic improvement upon the Section 44 it replaces.”
Add at the end of line two: “but recognises they may be necessary when, in the words of Section 47A, a senior police officer reasonably suspects that an act of terrorism will (not might) take place, and that such searches are considered necessary to prevent it. This Branch welcomes the abolition of the far more sweeping powers of Section 44.”

The following motion was presented to the branch.

“The Branch will reserve the right to have a closed members only session for any Branch meeting.
If the committee decides prior to the start of a meeting that it will have a closed session, this will be announced at the start of the meeting. Also, should a sensitive discussion ensue, this, at the discretion of the chair, is moved to A.O.B. and then would be “members only”.

Decision: Branch agreed to refer back to next Branch AGM (standing orders issue)

Following the DM delegates meeting the motions were reported to the branch as in General agreement with exception to those raised below.

Branch opposes motion 47:

This Delegate Meeting instructs the NEC to amend the rules and in particular the Code of Conduct to include the principal that a journalist should normally seek the consent of an appropriate adult when interviewing or photographing a child for a story about his/her welfare.

Motion 57: Controversial but no Branch decision

Motion 128: This Delegate meeting recognises the persistence of low pay in many parts of the industry and the development of new forms of journalism and new working practices.
DM therefore recognises that the requirement that applicants must earn at least half their income from journalism is increasingly unrealistic.
DM instructs the NEC to amend the rules to give effect to the principal that those who earn at least a quarter of their income from journalism should qualify for full membership.

Branch passed the DM delegates decision.

Branch agreed that joint secretaries, Jason Parkinson and Larry Herman, act on future membership applicants and LPB recruitment continues as normal.

5 April 2011 Committee

Jason Parkinson took all Andrew Wiard’s concerns to membership (temporary press cards and proposers/seconders) and was satisfied with their response.

Branch agreed to continue recruitment as Membership requested.

It was suggested Andrew Wiard should write a motion covering his concerns to next branch meeting.

The Membership working group had not taken place.

Following the Demotix Branch discussion a meeting with Andrew Wiard, John Toner, Jenny Lennox and Turi Munthe had been agreed – Andrew was asked to report back to branch, John Toner to report to FIC and NEC.

The Committee agreed to publish report from this meeting.

On Police issuing their own press cards Andrew Wiard would get John Toner to talk to ACPO, UKPCA.

26 April 2011 Branch

Nothing

3 May 2011 Committee

Agreed Larry Herman to draft letter to John Toner inviting him to attend LPB branch meetings.

Andrew Wiard reported on meeting between NUJ and police regarding UK Press Authority Press cards. Future meetings are planned and it was agreed that someone from LPB will be there. Andrew to attend the next meeting and will inform branch committee if unable, so another will go to meeting.

31 May 2011 Branch

The following motion proposed by Larry Herman was passed.

“The LPB agrees to send a delegate to the Campaign for Press and Broadcasting Freedom AGM in July. It also agrees to pay the £16 delegate fee.”

The Branch agreed that Larry Herman should be the delegate.

7 June 2011 Committee

John Toner attending Project Griffin (police guideline meeting private security), to be asked for report by Grant Smith.

John Toner responded top Larry Hermans branch invite letter – he attends LFB as a member. His job is Freelance organiser.

The committee agreed he should attend in that role, at some future meetings.

Jason Parkinson agreed to write to CPBF on issue of non-payment of photography after issue was raised by LPB member David Hoffman.

Jess Hurd and Franc David to work on a welcome letter to new members.

28 June 2011 Branch

Jason Parkinson reported on the elections for 2011/13 NEC, Ethics Council, CEC, SEC, WEC and  Industrial Councils – Deadline 31 August.

Jason Parkinson Reported on restructuring meeting with NUJ President and some other London Branches.

5 July 2011 Committee

Grant spoke to John Toner on the Project Griffin meeting (police guidelines for security guards). John did not attend, someone else attended – John Toner will get us a report.

Jason Parkinson had written a report for NUJ legal department on the new concussion grenades currently being used in Greece and possibly to be used in other European countries.

It was Andrew Wiard to act as branch liaison with FIC and others, subject to a vote by branch members.

Committee agreed to create an NUJ document for stewards – taken from the police guidelines. LPB to draft one for London events, sent to John Toner to send it out. Also offer to send members to talk to stewards prior to events.

26 July 2011 Branch

Andrew Wiard unanimously nominated by the LPB to stand for the Freelance Industrial Council (FIC) London seat.

Michael Preston unanimously nominated by the LPB to stand for the FIC and the National Executive Council (NEC) disabled.

The following motion proposed by Jason Parkinson was passed.

“This branch agrees to pay the printing costs involved in the day-to-day running of the London Photographers’ Branch, a total of £60.98 from July 2010 to July 2011.”

Matt Aslett was co-opted onto committee; agreed unanimously by Branch.

Branch Vimeo hosting site set up, costing $50 annually. Branch agreed unanimously.

6 September 2011 Committee

FIC, Industrial Councils election nominations delivered.

Ethics Council nomination time extended to end of October.

Had reply back from CPBF on member complaint and have passed response on.

27 September 2011 Branch

The following motion was proposed by Paul Mattsson.

“The Travellers who live at Dale Farm in Essex are threatened with forced eviction by Basildon Council. There have been many infringements of the NUJ Code of Conduct and the Union’s general guidelines on reporting race and the London Photographers’ Branch (LPB) is dismayed by much of the reporting of local people organising to defend their homes. The LPB is also disappointed by the general lack of support and involvement of the wider labour and trade union movement in showing solidarity with Dale Farm residents and supporters.

The LPB commends all those NUJ members, including many members of the LPB, who have reported events at Dale Farm in an ethical manner.

The LPB requests the NUJ to issue a statement defending the Code of Conduct and Reporting Race guidelines and to support the Dale Farm Traveller’s campaign defending their community.

The LPB also calls upon the NUJ to issue a statement that the Union will defend any NUJ member who refuses to obey management if told to print and/or broadcast any material which goes against the Union’s Code of Conduct.”

The following motion, proposed by Paul Mattsson, amended by Jason Parkinson, was passed.

“The Travellers who live at Dale Farm in Essex are threatened with forced eviction by Basildon Council. There have been many infringements of the NUJ Code of Conduct and the Union’s general guidelines on reporting race and the London Photographers’ Branch (LPB) is dismayed by much of the reporting of local people organising to defend their homes.

As a branch of the trade union the LPB is also disappointed by the general lack of support and involvement of the wider labour and trade union movement in showing solidarity with Dale Farm residents and call upon the NUJ to issue a statement of support the Dale Farm Traveller’s campaign defending their community.

The LPB commends all those NUJ members, including many members of the LPB, who have reported events at Dale Farm in an ethical manner.

The LPB also calls upon the NUJ to issue a statement that the Union will defend any NUJ member who refuses to obey management if told to print and/or broadcast any material which goes against the Union’s Code of Conduct.”

The following motion was proposed by Jason Parkinson was passed.

“This branch expresses grave concern over the Metropolitan Police using court orders to obtain unpublished material of the disorder in August from media organisations.

We condemn the actions of broadcasters and organisations who have handed over material voluntarily and express serious concern at those who chose not to challenge the court orders. Their actions will result in added risk to the safety of news gatherers working in public order situations, as well as undermining ethical principles, impartiality and press freedom in the UK.

The NUJ is strongly against unpublished journalistic material being used as evidence and will defend members according to the principles set out in the NUJ Code of Conduct, including material and sources.”

4 October 2011 Committee

Reported Dale Farm motion supported unanimously by Kensington and Chelsea Trades Councils.

Larry submitted the Dale Farm resolution to The Journalist – possibility for next issue.

25 October 2011 Branch

Reported the Guardian is still fighting a production order over the Uk riots. There have also been some informal requests, to professionals and amateurs.

Reported that all photographers and lens-based media make sure they are registered with head office in order to vote or stand in NEC Photographers’ Seat election, estimated to be in January or February.

John Millington FOC Morning Star chapel came to discuss Morning Star pictures rates. Discussions to continue.

1 November 2011 Committee

Nothing.

29 November 2011 Branch

NUJ general secretary’s letter to members distributed to meeting, asking for NUJ members to contact head office with ideas/experiences.

Reported that UK Press Card Authority met and agreed to discuss at their next meeting, a “code of conduct” for card carriers.

It was agreed that individual Branch members should cooperate with head office and consider making submissions to Headland House (HH). Branch committee to prepare further and fuller Branch discussion as soon as possible.

Reported on a meeting with the NUJ campaigns officer where a Production orders campaign was proposed.

Membership concerns raised again, agreed to refer back to committee and seek clarity from HH.

6 December 2011 Committee

Committee agreed to co-opt Carmen Valino.

Agreed to get members to do a print, raffle off, raise bit of money for good cause.

Committee agreed there should be a Press Card Authority code of conduct.

Jason Parkinson reported on Essex police issuing production orders over Dale Farm eviction.

Membership issues were raised again. Andrew Wiard to raise a motion to the next NUJ DM.

Agreed Franc to start assisting with audio work.

Agreed Jules Mattsson to assume full responsibility of LPB Twitter and Facebook.

Reported that the BAJ are giving students free press cards.

14 December 2011 Branch

Noted the meeting was not quorate.

The following motion was presented to the branch by Andrew Wiard.

”Following hostile criticism of press photographers at the Leveson Inquiry to which there has not yet been an opportunity to reply, this branch calls on the General `Secretary to draw the attention of the Inquiry to the NUJ code of conduct, and to recommend that moral rights be extended to all journalists as a further safeguard against misuse of their material. It further calls on the UKPCA ( UK Press cards Authority ) to draft a code of conduct for those carrying the national press card.”

As meeting was not quorate the motion will be raised at first committee meeting in 2012.

Andrew Wiard reported FIC agreed there should be a code of conduct for the UK Press Card. There also should be moral rights.

11 January 2012 Committee

It was agreed;

To organise working groups in business section, to pull non-committee members into running of branch.

Put more input into the business section, bring in more current work-related issues.

Promote what is happening in business section, motions and issues raised – be relevant.

Agreed that Larry to check use of emails addresses from membership list.

Update the membership greeting with sentence on subscribing to the website to get the newsletter.

The following motion was presented to committee by Andrew Wiard.

“Following hostile criticism of press photographers at the Leveson Inquiry to which there has not yet been an opportunity to reply, this branch calls on the General Secretary to draw the attention of the Inquiry to the NUJ code of conduct, and to recommend that moral rights be extended to all journalists as a further safeguard against misuse of their material. It further calls on the UKPCA ( UK Press cards Authority ) to draft a code of conduct for those carrying the national press card.”

Grant Smith said the motion is confusing – he will organise a re-draft with Andrew Wiard.

It was agreed the UKPCA code of conduct should be based on the NUJ code of conduct.

Larry Herman delivered the treasurers report to the committee.

It was agreed the UKPCA should raise issue with BAJ giving out free press cards to students.

It was agreed the Christmas raffle of £100 should go to the Dart Centre for journalism and Trauma.

6pm sharp – NUJ Headland House – drinks and nibbles provided.

We will elect a new committee and two branch auditors. Any member is entitled to stand for committee, however to hold a post as branch officer you have to be a full member.

Positions for 2012

(A) A chair
(B) A vice-chair
(C) A secretary to keep the records and convene meetings.
(D) Membership Secretary assists members with union membership and recruitment.
(E) A treasurer to be responsible for the funds in the care of the branch and for keeping accounts. No treasurer shall be aged under 18.
(F) A welfare officer to care for the interests of sick members and their spouses and liaise with the NUJ Extra.
(G) An equality officer to promote equality issues and provide a focus for questions and complaints arising from the code of conduct.
(H) A union learning representative focuses on branch training and education.
(I) Web Editor co-ordinates content for the branch Website, Twitter and Facebook
(J) Legal Rep assists and supports members pursuing legal issues.
(K) Non Portfolio members assist and contribute, but with no specific role.

The committee would encourage members to think about how they can contribute to the branch, we are very happy to have job-shares for voluntary committee positions, absolutely no experience necessary, we are all learning on the job! Feel free to contact committee members for details.

Candidates standing as branch officers will be allowed to address the Branch meeting prior to the election for a maximum of five minutes and questions can be asked of any candidate.

We will also nominate our candidate for the brand new Photographers’ NEC Seat. This is a very important meeting, I urge all members to do their best to attend.

Thanks again to all the out-going committee for their hard work and commitment to the work of the branch. Also many thanks to all the NUJ full timers who have helped us campaign and assist our members tirelessly throughout the year.

Jess Hurd (LPB Branch Chair)

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Tuesday 31 January 2012, 6pm at Headland House will host the third NUJ London Photographers’ Branch Annual Delegate Meeting. We will also be holding branch nominations for the new National Executive Position (NEC) Photographers’ Seat and we will be passing an important motion on the Leveson Inquiry, calling for a nation wide UK Press Card Code of Conduct.

In the first part of the meeting we are very privileged to have Nigel Dickinson travelling over from Paris to discuss privacy law in France and its effect on photography and reporting. We also have the NUJ Senior Campaigns and Communications Officer Sarah Kavanagh, taking time out of her busy schedule to talk to the branch about what the union has being doing about the Leveson Inquiry. With the NUJ being a core participant, Sarah has been working with Michelle Stanistreet and can fill us in on the latest developments and what we can expect next.

The second part of the meeting will most importantly be the LPB AGM, where branch members vote for the committee members they want to represent them over the coming year. Any full branch member can be nominated for a position. Temporary and Student members cannot hold a position but can be co-opted on to the committee to take a non-portfolio position. We encourage all members to attend and get involved.

The Branch Committee positions are,

Chairperson

Vice Chair

Secretary

Membership Secretary

Treasurer

Welfare Officer

Equality Officer

Union Learning Representative.

We will also hold nominations for the NEC Photographers’ Seat. Anyone wishing to be nominated for this voluntary position must attend this meeting, as all nominations must be brought to a constitutionally held meeting and the January AGM is th  only meeting before the deadline for nominations.

Facebook Event Page

Please contact joint secretary Jason N. Parkinson is you are interested in being nominated for a position.

The vacancies are as follows:

National Executive Council

Midlands of England

Ethics Council

Continental Europe

Industrial Councils

Broadcasting Industrial Council

Commercial Radio

Disabled Members

Equality

Continental Europe Council

Brussels

Freelance Industrial Council

North East

North West

Black Members

Magazine and Book Industrial Council

Books in London

Magazines in London (6)

Magazine and Books outside London (3)

Disabled Members

Equality

New Media Industrial Council

Midlands

North East

South East

Wales

Black Members

Disabled Members

Equality

Newspapers and Agencies Industrial Council

East Anglia

Midlands

Northern Ireland

South West

Wales and Merseyside

Black Members

Disabled Members

Equality

Public Relations and Information Industrial Council

Midlands

South West

Black Members

Disabled Members

Executive Councils

Scottish Executive Council

Black Members

Industrial Seats

Broadcasting (2)

National Newspapers and Agencies

Branch Seats

Ayrshire

Berwick

Dumfries and Galloway

Fife

Grampian

Greenock

Highlands

Lanarkshire

Perth and District

Welsh Executive Council

Black Members

Industrial Seats

New Media

Branch Seats

BBC Wales (2)

Chester

Herefordshire

Shropshire

However, it’s true purpose can be deduced from the following paragraph in the scheme’s Terms and Conditions:

“By submitting any material to Archant, You automatically grant Archant the royalty-free, perpetual, irrevocable right and license to use, reproduce, modify, edit, adapt, publish, translate, create derivative works from, distribute, perform and display such material (in whole or part) worldwide and/or to incorporate it in other works in any form, media, or technology now known or later developed for the full term of any rights that may exist in such content.”

This is clearly an attempt to cut costs at the company’s four daily and 75 weekly titles by replacing the work of professional photographers and videographers, including a number who are members of this branch, with that of unpaid readers, whose ‘shared’ contributions will be used free of charge by Archant.

All of this is part of a much wider trend towards amateurising lens journalism, driven by publishers’ and broadcasters’ quest for free or almost-free imagery, via copyright grabs or unfair licensing. In Archant’s case, iwitness24 includes a moral rights grab that, together with the sidelining of NUJ lens-based journalists working within a professional code of conduct, will also debase ethical standards.

The LPB deplores this move, which will inevitably lead to a further erosion of the living standards of our members, but the London Photographers’ Branch believes there is much that can be done in defending professional standards among working photographers. The LPB committee understands very well that achieving agreements, over rates of pay, with various media managements is a powerful way of sustaining the quality of the work we do.

First, it is the LPB AGM* where we elect our committee members & discuss the work of the branch for the coming year.

With the prospect of tighter restrictions resulting from the Leveson Inquiry, we will also be having an introduction by Paris based photographer Nigel Dickinson about the impact of Privacy Law on photography in France.

More details on this will follow soon.

Secondly, the first ever Photographers’ Seat on the National Executive Committee (NEC) is up for election. We will get the chance to decide who to nominate for the position from the London Photographers’ Branch. This is very important as the NEC puts into action the decisions made by the NUJ delegate meeting, coordinates the day-to-day work of the union and the campaigns we are involved in.

If you would like to stand for the Photographers’ Seat the submission date for all nominations must be in at Headland House by close of business Friday 10 February 2012. Please inform the branch Secretary if you want to stand for nomination by the branch ahead of the AGM (31st Jan), with a short statement, so it can be publicised.

The NEC Photographers’ Seat position is for a period of two years. There is one seat available, but the position can be shared. The position is unpaid, but expenses are covered.

Nominees must be up-to-date with their union contributions when nominated and throughout the election period and must be registered as a photographer, photojournalist or video journalist.

Nomination forms must be signed by an elected officer of the branch and nominees must sign the consent section of the nomination form or inform head office independently that they are willing to accept nomination.

Nominees must also submit their statement for the election pamphlet by Friday 10 February 2012.

Tomorrow morning, Tuesday 13 December 2011, I will head to Chelmsford Crown Court to oppose a production order application by Essex Police to seize all my footage from the Dale Farm eviction.

The production order, calling for all footage shot on 19 and 20 October, is also being served upon other news outlets.

I am resisting the order with the full support on the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) and legal support from Bindmans Solicitors. The handing over of material, either published or unpublished goes against the NUJ Code of Conduct.

I strongly believe a journalist should protect her/his confidential sources and material gathered in the course of her/his work. If I am forced to comply with the production order I am being forced into breaching my own union’s ethical code, but also to be forced into being an unwilling agent of the state, handing over material that will surely be used as intelligence.

I also believe it will have serious consequences on my ability, and the ability of those in my profession, to report future events. We are already seeing a growing trend of intimation and violence against members of the press reporting on the frontline. This is based on a wide mistrust of the media, which has been accelerated by the increase in the use of production orders we have seen since the student protests of 2010.

NUJ general secretary Michelle Stanistreet said: “Journalists play a critical role in informing the public and the police should not be trying to hands their hands on journalistic material. Media workers are engaged in professional activity which is independent of the police and they should never be seen as collectors of information for the state. It is an attack on press freedom and turns every photographer, videographer and journalist into a potential target.”

The impact of this continuing trend of production order use will have dire consequences on press freedom in this country, to the extent that eventually we may not be able to report some events at all. The courts have recognised the vital role of the media as the public watchdog. With the press unable to operate a fundamental pillar of our democracy slips away.

The irony is that the restrictions on the press to operate freely will not come from the authorities – as we have seen with the misuse of anti-terror and other restrictive laws – it will come from the mistrust of the media by the public, believing that footage shot and images taken could be seized by the police. In effect the public may also unwittingly impact on press freedom.

I have operated in countries like Egypt, Mexico and Russia, where the press are under physical control of the state, and I have experienced first-hand the tactics deployed to stop the press reporting, from beatings in the street, journalist material seized and destroyed or used to apprehend protestors, to simply having a police sniper trying to put a bullet in the head of the camera operator first, in order to eliminate any witnesses to the atrocities they intend to commit. Is that the route we want to head towards here in the UK?

We need to be totally independent of the state, in order to get to the truth behind incredibly dangerous and sensitive situations. If no one was able to analyse the recent UK riots, or talk to the people on the ground as events took place, then we would only have the government response as to why they happened, ending in the government dictating the official line.

We need a strong and united campaign of awareness across our media organisations to resist this attack on press freedom.

The proceedings at Chelmsford will commence at 10am tomorrow morning. If we are able, judge willing, we will be tweeting from the court. For updates please follow @NUJPhoto #productionorder.

]]> http://londonphotographers.org/2011/12/why-im-resisting-the-dale-farm-production-order/feed/ 11 http://londonphotographers.org/2011/12/branch-xmas-party/ http://londonphotographers.org/2011/12/branch-xmas-party/#comments Sun, 11 Dec 2011 10:43:57 +0000 Jules Mattsson http://londonphotographers.org/?p=2568

photo Jess Hurd/ design Jason Parkinson

7pm, 14th December 2011 at the Queens Head Pub near the NUJ.

66 Acton Street, London, WC1X 9NB – Map

Print Exchange

This Christmas we are coming together as a branch in a celebration of our year. Over the last 12 months our members have reported and documented everything from revolutions to civic engagements. Though our commitment to the highest standards of ethical journalism we continue to stand and fight together for the future of photography in the UK and Abroad. To celebrate this last years achievements the branch is running a print exchange at the party. To enter you can either buy raffle tickets on the  night or donate a print to the exchange and get them free. All financial proceeds will be donated to a journalist’s charity to be announced.

If you would like to donate a print for our raffle then please bring it along to the party on the night, otherwise Matt can offer a quality (giclee) A3 print for £12 inc. VAT. Please Email him your image file in the form of a JPEG to matt@matthewaslett.com.

FB Event - Please do RSVP on here if you can!

Look forward to seeing you there! Santa outfit optional

Police officers block Jules's camera, dislodging a lens hood, during the incident. photo Jules Mattsson

The London Photographers’ Branch congratulates its member Jules Mattsson in winning his case against the actions of the Met police when he was covering an Armed Forces Day parade in Romford last year. Jules kept calm, recorded the incident and argued for his rights in an intimidating encounter with the police. During the encounter he was abused, assaulted and threatened under the Terrorism Act and falsely imprisoned. Jules was 15 at the time and a student but had the support of branch officials at the scene and the national union in successfully pursuing justice with the help of leading civil rights solicitor and friend of the NUJ, Chez Cotton.

NUJ Legal Officer Roy Mincoff said:

“This was very poor and unlawful behaviour by a senior police officer, trying to intimidate a young NUJ photographer. It is not acceptable conduct, has no place in the police force and is hardly likely to gain respect for the police amongst the youth of the UK. The police have now recognised this, apologised and compensated our member. The NUJ will continue to hold the police to account to ensure that the vital rights of journalists, enshrined in law, are upheld, to enable reporting and photographing to continue, as part of the democratic framework of our society.”

Read the full Bindmans statement:

Met Commissioner compensates journalist arrested for taking photographs in public place and told to stop “running round acting silly, being stupid and gay”