The Home Secretary has appeared to give the 'green light' to police officers to monitor and even restrict journalists and photographers covering public events.

In a letter to the National Union of Journalists, Jacqui Smith says the Home Office produces no guidance on photography in public places.

But she adds that "...decisions may be made locally (by police) to restrict or monitor photography in reasonable circumstances".

Ms Smith's letter also said: "The Government greatly values the importance of the freedom of the press.

"It is for the local Chief Constable to decide how his or her officers and employees should best balance the rights to freedom of the press, freedom of expression and the need for public protection.

"I know that Tony McNulty MP has agreed to meet you shortly and I have asked him to stand ready to discuss your concerns in greater detail."

The letter was in response to concerns raised by NUJ general secretary Jeremy Dear last month.

He wrote to the Home Secretary calling for an end to routine monitoring by police of journalists and photographers covering public events.

Jeremy said: "We're pleased the government has offered to meet the NUJ and will raise our serious concerns about the ongoing surveillance of journalists.

"Whilst the government can say these are operational issues for the police, it should be made clear that the routine surveillance of journalists is unacceptable and an infringement of media freedom.

"We are concerned that some of the Home Secretary's comments appear to give a green light to police officers at a local level to impose their own unacceptable restrictions on the rights of photographers covering public events."

In April, Great Grimsby MP Austin Mitchell tabled an Early Day Motion calling for the protection photographers' rights.

Support for the EDM has grown significantly with over a third of all MPs – 231 – adding their names.