Tapes seized and returned 6 months later no explanation or charge. John Harris and Neil Plumb photographers charged with trespass under Aviation Security Act after arrest at demonstration against veal export at Coventry Airport, Charges later dropped, compensation awarded. When challenged, they gave him a choice of giving them what they wanted, or having all his film and equipment seized. It seems OK then, for the police to go undercover as demonstrators etc and film activists in action covertly. They then get to use that material in prosecutions and intelligence with their 'spin', as they see fit with little restriction.
Police say the media is sometimes a cover for activist.
To form this opinion is, of course, a useful ploy.