House of Lords awakes from slumber

[Peter Black]

This is the upper house of the British Parliament and is populated by retired/defeated politicians and those who have hereditary titles, so the average age tends to be quite high. This week, however, they woke up long enough to discuss street photography in Britain and the level of harassment handed out to everyday snappers. The debate starts about halfway down the page at the link below, and if you've got the time I'd say it was worth a few minutes to see the views expressed.

http://www.publications.parliament.u...80716-0001.htm

[bowzart]

My Lords, this reference, so kindly provided us by our noble friend, is highly recommended for your reading.

[Dave Miller]

Thanks for posting the link Peter, it makes interesting reading.

[bowzart]

I guess I should say that I did mean to be a bit flip, but I was impressed that they discussed the issue and with a good deal of sensitivity at that. Thanks for the link. Maybe there is hope.

L.

[David A. Goldfarb]

Originally Posted by The Countess of Mar

My Lords, is the noble Lord aware of a report in the press today about a father who was prevented from photographing his children in a fairground by a crazy woman who thought that her child was also being photographed and that the photograph might be put on the internet? All of us who have children or grandchildren like to photograph them. Is it not time that the hysteria that has built up was quelled?

Yes, quite a good discussion.

[Trevor Crone]

Many thanks for the link Peter, a very interesting piece of information.

Lets see, in the fullness of time, if it makes any real difference and that over enthusiastic security personnel will stop harassing us in public places.

[ooze]

Thanks for the link. But I'm rather disappointed that the discussion ends so abruptly. Are there any conclusions? Any action items? Will there be a follow up?

Several years ago I was harassed by a warden on Trafalgar square. I wrote a letter to the mayor at that time (Ken) and complained, and received the expected "there are no restrictions etc." answer. I'm still angry

[Aurum]

Its good to see that the Lords are taking an interest in this, however the message does not seem to be getting down to the grunts on the shop floor so to speak.

This from the Daily (Hate) Mail Today

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/arti...behaviour.html

[petercook80]

The section relating to photographing children brought back a memory that shows how quickly times change.
Back around 1996 I brought a new Nikon F50 to get back into photography. To try it out I went to a Steam Fair that happend to be in the area, it was a Sunday afternoon and it was really a family day. Now I was on my own and snapped away at all the kids on the rides and got some really great shots, it could not have been further from my mind the thought of getting accused of some nasty crime, nobody once said anything and I was pretty much ignored. Now I would fear for my safety if I did the same again.

[rob champagne]

That's what happens when you have a media(filth) which is not answerable to anyone for its actions. Its not elected and yet its more powerful than government in influencing thinking and setting public agenda.