Nearly 200 photographers attended the conference on Monday 18 May, as Metropolitan Police Commander Bob Broadhurst, who is in charge of public order policing in London, challenged photographers by saying that police officers had a right to control everybody at public order events.

According to the Union, photographers told Commander Broadhurst that officers at recent protests had refused to accept the NUJ press card, even though it is formally recognised by all police authorities. 'Some of our officers have huge problems dealing with groups of people when they are faced with a phalanx of photographers,' Commander Broadhurst answered.

However, the NUJ says that police officers lack basic training in how to deal fairly with the media, despite the guidelines agreed between the press associations and the Association of Chief Police Officers.

The Union also highlighted concerns around the surveillance of journalists, particularly those covering demonstrations. It requested assurances that the police do not retain records of photographers and journalists whom they have been either deliberately or inadvertently photographing over the last few of years. While Commander Broadhurst was unable to answer, he said it will get back to the union with more details.

The day culminated with a pledge from the Union's general secretary. 'We will never rest as long as members are stopped from working free from threat and harassment,' Jeremy Dear said. 'We've met government ministers and police chiefs. We laid siege to New Scotland Yard in the largest media event they'd seen for years.'