[ChrisC]

Well, I guess I'm 367. This is the most serious thread I have encountered in LUF, and it took some reading prior to posting this! My congratulations to previous posters, and to those who have been pro-active.

I think history shows us that when governments get into trouble they tend to erode the rights of citizens by increasing the powers of the State's agents; in this case the police. Regardless of misunderstandings by members of the public, security guards, or even police officers we in the UK did have the right to lawfully go about the business of making photographs in public places. I was always glad of that fact on the occasions I have been hassled [sometimes aggressively] when photographing with a view-camera,

The interpretation of amendments to the Terrorism Act effectively gives the police a catch-all trump up their sleeve to negate our rights if they so choose. Hard won rights, and presumption of innocence, battled for over centuries is trumped by the whimsical interpretation of the Act by police on the streets. So we have rights, as we always did, but not proper rights; because the trump card wipes them out. For the first time in my life, the power of the State frightens me. The religious fascists have a victory; our State is scaring us with what are effectively becoming Police-State powers.

Like so many in the UK, I feel betrayed by the Labour Government. If that wasn't bad enough, the country is sleep-walking to it's next Government of MacMillanesque Old Etonian, ruling elite, Conservative Party toffs. On the issue of lost rights, I fear for the UK's future and making photographs with 'one eye over the shoulder' might finally become our lesser problem.

For those outside the UK; Eton is a highly exclusive privately funded school for [mostly] privileged, wealthy families. Former Prime Minister Harold Macmillan packed his ruling Cabinet with Etonians.

................... Chris