Police Bill: BASW UK stands in solidarity with Gypsy, Traveller and nomadic people
Today, BASW is taking part in a Day of Solidarity with Gypsy and Traveller people, ahead of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill’s Royal Assent.
The ‘Day of Solidarity’ - organised by Friends, Families & Travellers - is a show of continuing opposition to the UK Government’s cruel and draconian criminalisation of trespass, and strengthening of police powers against roadside families.
Part 4 of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill will see those who ‘trespass with intent to reside’ potentially facing time in prison, a £2500 fine and/or the confiscation of their vehicle(s) (home and possessions).
"The implementation of the Police Bill will not stop Gypsies and Travellers pursuing nomadic traditions which are protected in law," said Allison Hulmes, BASW Cymru National Director. "On this day of solidarity with all Gypsies and Travellers in the UK, we commit to continue to use every lever available to enable and protect centuries old traditions. It’s a long drom, it’s always been a long drom and one will continue to jel."
Anyone wishing to get involved should use the hashtag #WeRoamWithYou. You can find social media assets to take part on the Friends, Families & Travellers website.
Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill (Part 4) - further information for social workers:
- BASW and SWU oppose Part 4 of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill
- Social workers write to Priti Patel opposing inhumane Police Bill that discriminates against Romani and Traveller families
- Human rights of Romani and Traveller communities under threat as Police Bill goes through House of Lords
- Labour Lords vote against Police Bill measures after BASW UK intervention
- BASW briefs policymakers on anti-GRT proposals ahead of next stage of Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill
- Police Bill: BASW UK receives response from Home Office on unauthorised encampments guidance
- BASW Cymru: Response to the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts (PCSC) Bill
- BASW Cymru's Briefing for Senedd Members on Part 4 of the Police Bill
- Welsh Government inquiry which has been launched because of the ‘Wales Coalition Against the Police Bill’, campaigning
- BASW blog: 'Part 4 of the Police Bill... Echoes of the Porrajmos?'