Military-style spy planes 'to be used to target civilians in the UK'

 

 

By Daily Mail Reporter

Last updated at 3:29 PM on 23rd January 2010

 

 

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Unmanned drones similar to those used in Afghanistan are set to be used in Britain to spy on drivers, campaigners, agricultural thieves and fly-tippers, it was revealed today.

A group of government agencies led by Kent Police has commissioned arms manufacturer BAE systems to adapt military-style planes for civilian use.

The consortium aims to have the drones operating in British skies in time for the 2012 Olympics.

The revelations are likely to prompt 'Big Brother' accusations from civil libertarians.

 

CCTV in the sky: Unmanned drones, similar to this Force Protection Airborne Surveillance plane, are set to be used in the UK

 

According to a report published in the Guardian, a prototype drone equipped with high-powered cameras and sensors will take to the skies for test flights later this year.

BAE Systems and Kent police reportedly claim that the drones would 'greatly extend' the government's surveillance capacity and 'revolutionise policing.'

The Civil Aviation Authority is currently reluctant to license UAVs in normal airspace because of the risk of collisions with other aircraft, but adequate 'sense and avoid' systems for drones are only a few years away.

 

Previously, Kent police have said the drone scheme was intended for use over the English Channel to monitor shipping and detect immigrants crossing from France.

 

However reports suggest their use could be far more widespread - including detecting theft from cash machines, preventing theft of tractors and monitoring antisocial driving.

The consortium also suggested the drones could be used by councils to combat 'fly-posting, fly-tipping, abandoned vehicles, abnormal loads, waste management'.

Five other police forces have signed up to the scheme, which could pave the way for countrywide adoption of the technology for surveillance, monitoring and evidence gathering.

 

The consortium's mission is to introduce the drones 'into the routine work of the police, border authorities and other government agencies,' according to documents obtained by the Guardian.

Kent police's assistant chief constable, Allyn Thomas, reportedly lobbied the CAA last year in support of the drones, which he said would be useful' in the policing of major events, whether they be protests or the ­Olympics'.

BAE drones are programmed to take off and land on their own, stay airborne for up to 15 hours and reach heights of 20,000ft, making them invisible from the ground.

Photographers in mass protest at stop and search laws

 

 

Life through a lens: Thousands of photographers protested in Trafalgar Square in London today against what they claim is the 'malicious' use of stop and search laws by police. The landmark was lit up by an array of flash bulbs as part of a demonstration of anger at use of terror laws to stop photographers taking pictures. Around 2,000 professionals and amateurs took part in the protest

 

 

 

 

Anger: Photographers are angry at police for using anti-terror legislation to stop them from taking pictures

 

 

 

Demonstrators held placards saying 'I'm A Photographer, Not A Terrorist!'

 

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1245446/Military-style-spy-planes-used-target-civilians-UK.html#ixzz0dT1vE4pC

Have fun with your high taxes, failed economy and massive government always watching you.

 

PS. If you give up more money and freedom now...all of it you won't have to worry about it going little by little....act now while supplies last!

I have loads of fun with it.

 

This is just the Daily Mail being the massive retards they are.

Even though I'm a libertarian to the core, privacy just isn't at the top of my list of priorities.

 

I don't mind if Jeff Goldblum is watching me poop. Just as long as he leaves me alone.

Even though I'm a libertarian to the core, privacy just isn't at the top of my list of priorities.

 

I don't mind if Jeff Goldblum is watching me poop. Just as long as he leaves me alone.

 

Before or after he turns into a fly?:rolleyes: