In a week when the police’s treatment of photographers made front page news the union expressed shock that another journalist has been obstructed by officers from doing his job.

On Sunday an NUJ member was arrested by two armed police officers at London City Airport for an alleged assault on a member of airport security.

The photographer fully denies any wrongdoing and the NUJ has instructed lawyers to defend him.

The photographer had been covering a small and peaceful protest by environmental campaigners in Santa outfits at the airport. He was arrested in the middle of filing pictures to national newspapers.

Commenting on the news NUJ General Secretary, Jeremy Dear, said: "Despite the new advice to police officers it appears our members are being denied the right to work. We will continue to support members who are exercising their rights."

NUJ Legal Officer Roy Mincoff added: “While we welcome new guidance and undertakings to ensure that all officers, at whatever level, are aware of their responsibilities to the media, clearly much still needs to be done. The police must ensure that our members’ rights are respected and that what happens in practice reflects the agreed guidance.”

9 December 2009

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