Liberty responds to plans to criminalise trespass

Liberty has responded to reports that the Government plans to criminalise trespass, threatening the way of life of Gypsy and Traveller communities.

Grey Collier, Advocacy Director at Liberty, said: “We all want others to respect our way of life, and everyone should be able to live free from discrimination including Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities.

“These proposals are a rejection of evidence gathered in multiple consultations, including submissions from policing bodies. This Bill will not resolve the issue it purports to address; it merely threatens the fundamental rights of some of the most marginalised people in the UK. It could also undermine the right to protest, which is already under attack as the Government tries to reduce the ways all of us can hold it to account.

“Successive Governments have failed to provide the safe sites that Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities need. Instead of criminalising people for their way of life, the Government must identify adequate space to help these communities live and reduce the discrimination they face.”

Contact the Liberty press office on 07973 831 128 or pressoffice@libertyhumanrights.org.uk