Dear John,

The Government is considering new police powers that will criminalise Gypsy and Traveller communities and could see them have their homes confiscated. You can stop these plans in their tracks.

The Government is looking for feedback on proposals to criminalise trespassing and ‘unauthorised encampments’ – plans which mean Gypsies and Travellers could face imprisonment for their way of life.  

Gypsy and Traveller communities are already some of the most persecuted in the UK. Criminalising trespass would make this far worse and act as justification for the discrimination they face.

The plans also give police powers to ban communities from returning to a specific area for a year – disrupting access to education and healthcare – and to seize property, meaning they could take away Gypsy and Traveller homes. 

The police have said they don’t want these powers and the consultation even acknowledges that the real problem is the lack of authorised sites. 

But instead of solving this issue, the Government is treating an entire community with contempt. 

And the proposals are framed so broadly that it could also scoop up peaceful protests, for instance environmental protests where participants camp out.

The right to protest is a fundamental right and essential to our democracy – another reason trespass must not be criminalised.

You can use our template to quickly and easily respond to the consultation and make sure these sinister plans never see the light of day. 

Or if you are a member of the Gypsy and Traveller community, you can respond to the conulsulation via Friends, Families and Travellers which is providing specific guidance.  

Please make your voice heard today.

Thank you for your support

Martha Spurrier
Director

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