According to photographers who attended the Camp fpr Climate Action at Kingsnorth today (Tuesday), police are now paying special attention to photographers and journalists. They are reportedly stopping and searching journalists during the two hours allowed for media access by camp organisers. Professional photographer Marc Vallée reports that this took 40 minutes, leaving a reduced opportunity to work within the camp.

As happened last year, there has again been friction between press and organisers over the restrictive policy of excluding press except for a 2 hour daily 'media tour'. As reported at Photorights last week, a letter of complaint was sent by John Toner, NUJ Freelance Organiser, requesting that organisers reconsider. This produced no relaxation of the policy, and it now appears police are taking advantage of the restriction to curtail coverage.

Jason Parkinson, one of the photographers detained and searched, reports on his blog:

Following two large riot police raids yesterday and 16 arrests, this morning, as the camp "media hours" commenced, myself and three other journalists were stopped and searched by Metropolitan Police from Wood Green. The police claimed they were looking for items that could be used for "criminal damage".
One photojournalist was told by officers that "everyone" was being searched, including journalists, because they too were members of the public and could be carrying items that "could" be used for "criminal damage" or "violence".

More at Jason M Parkinson's blog including a video

Camp activists have announced their intention to mount a direct action this Saturday against the construction of a new coal-fired power station at Kingsnorth.

- PhotoRights admin