Yesterday the European Court of Human Rights rejected the governments appeal to it’s decision in January that ruled Section 44 of the Terrorism Act 2000 in breach of Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

Although the Home Office has said it is still considering how the ruling effects the law and the police will continue to use it. It’s possible that any Stop & Search under s44 since 12th January 2010 will be open to legal challenge, so hang on to any receipts.

Unfortunately there are still a swathe of laws that police use to harass photographers, most notably s43, which is similar to s44 but requires an officer to suspect that you are a terrorist and s76 which makes it illegal to ‘elicit information about a police officer’ which includes photographing them.

In the meantime we’re going back to the place where our campaign started, outside New Scotland Yard. We’ll be gathering at 12 noon, this Sunday 4th July (Independence Day!) Come along and lets celebrate a little more freedom for photographers.

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29th June, 6pm
Headland House

This months Branch meeting will feature a panel discussion on Convergence, with photographer Edmond Terakopian and film editor Simon Ruben. Clients are always asking us to do more; whether it be video, audio, text or all three on top of photography. We’ll be discussing how to adapt to clients growing needs for content with shrinking budgets. Should photographers be doing the jobs of reporters and film-makers at all? What are the pitfalls of moving into different areas? Come along and join the discussion.

Any motions to the branch should be sent to the branch secretary prior to the meeting.

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Regional Press Awards

Members are also invited to the NUJ Regional Press Awards After Show Party after the branch meeting.

On the Campaign Trail

Last months branch meeting featured a panel discussion with Guardian staff photographer Graeme Robertson and freelance photographer Stephen Simpson talking about how they covered the election. You can listen to the full audio from the discussion on the branch website.

Battle of the Beaches

Poole Council has been forced into an embarrassing climbdown over it’s policy restricting photography on beaches after condemnation from photographers up and down the country.

Priortising Press Freedom

Branch Committee member Marc Vallée is stepping down as Secretary to prioritise his work as branch Legal Rep. There will be an election at this months branch meeting for a new Secretary.

Branch Minutes

Branch members who are registered on the site can login and view the draft minutes of the last two meetings:

• Draft May Branch Minutes
• June Branch Committee Minutes