‘The steady expansion of the “surveillance society” risks undermining fundamental freedoms including the right to privacy,’ according to a House of Lords report published today.

Read more at The Guardian

Meanwhile the British Journal of Photography reports that a new law, due to be introduced this month, ‘is expected to increase the anti-terrorism powers used today by police officers to stop photographers, including press photographers, from taking pictures in public places.’

‘Photographers are increasingly being viewed as potential criminals by police, according to the Bureau of Freelance Photographers (BFP), which has reported a rise in complaints from members.’ Read more.

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On 30 April, just four days after I wrote about the Basement Social Centre in Manchester city centre and said what a unique and absolutely spiffing place it was, a huge fire ripped through a building to the rear of it. (more…)

There has been a big drama lately about the area of land on the corner of Princess Street and Whitworth Street, which is just across the canal from the New Union pub in the gay village.

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