When I arrived at the pub in north London, I noticed my friend deep into her latest romantic drama. She was going through some relationship troubles with her new live-in boyfriend, and our animated discussion only grew louder with each twist and turn in the story. Across from us, a group of approximately 30 people were quietly enjoying their drinks, spread out across several tables, taking advantage of the twixtmas season. Frustrated with the app’s inability to get us a drink, I decided to go to the bar myself.
As I approached the bar, I noticed two individuals from the group across from us also attempting to get a drink. However, the bar staff refused to serve them and when they argued back, they decided to shut down the whole bar. Returning to my friend at the table, I could still hear her passionately venting about her relationship. Then, to my surprise, I saw two Metropolitan police officers, easily identifiable in their hi-vis jackets, enter the pub and approach the bar staff. Shortly after, more officers arrived, and they demanded that the group next to us leave. Their supposed “crime”? Being Travellers in a pub.
We protested against their eviction and ended up in a heated confrontation with the officers before eventually leaving alongside the group. Outside, feeling shaken and frustrated, we engaged in conversation with those who had been ejected. They assured me not to worry, as this kind of incident happens all the time.
For those with even a slight connection or awareness of the Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities (GRT), this occurrence is not at all surprising. It is also not surprising to hear that David TC Davies, the Welsh secretary and Monmouth MP, had distributed leaflets encouraging people to share their opinions on the establishment of Gypsy Traveller sites in the county. These leaflets have faced severe criticism, with some considering them bordering on racism (personally, I consider them overtly racist), while others rightly argue that they contribute to the creation of a hostile environment for GRT individuals. The truth is, these leaflets once again expose a complex system of oppression and persecution that seeks to eradicate GRT people and their culture. Unfortunately, this country has a long history of perpetuating this form of racism, and it has only intensified in recent years.
A BBC investigation in 2017 revealed that less than one-third of the necessary pitches for these communities had been built, with many local authorities failing to utilize allocated funds for their creation. In their 2019 election manifesto, the Conservative party promised to “crack down on unauthorised encampments,” and they followed through with the passing of public order legislation that criminalized trespass.
It is often said that anti-GRT sentiment is the last form of acceptable bigotry. Though I understand that individuals from other marginalized communities, such as my black, Muslim, or transgender friends, would rightfully push back against this claim, it does speak to a larger truth. Any time I mention my Romany heritage online, even in passing, my mentions become flooded with slurs. In the real world, I have lost count of how many times people, including those who consider themselves progressive, have casually slipped in a slur or stereotype into our conversations (only to backtrack when corrected by me).
A report by the Traveller Movement found that 91% of GRT individuals have experienced discrimination, with 77% being victims of hate speech or crimes. The survey also revealed that 40% of British parents would feel “unhappy” if a close family member formed a relationship with a Traveller. Additionally, a 2018 report found that 44% of respondents felt comfortable expressing anti-Gypsy sentiment, the highest among all the groups surveyed, with the second being individuals openly Islamophobic.
Let’s be clear that this issue is not exclusive to the Conservative party. Anti-GRT sentiment exists across the entire political spectrum. In 2021, Labour MP Charlotte Nichols had to apologize for her own set of leaflets that promised to address “Gypsy incursions.” In 2016, Jess Philips, the shadow minister for domestic violence and safeguarding, tweeted about informing the council and the police about a Traveller camp arriving, seemingly forgetting that those in the camp were also her constituents.
The media also shares responsibility in perpetuating prejudice. From inflammatory columns to poorly executed “investigations” into “traveller crime,” the cumulative effect of centuries-old attacks on GRT individuals continues to portray them as less than human. They are denied safety, security, and happiness. GRT people experience some of the worst health outcomes, with an average life expectancy of only 50 years. There is widespread poverty, deprivation, and significant mental health issues within the community. The ongoing attack on these communities does nothing to address these problems; instead, it worsens them by isolating and prejudicing groups of people based on their ethnicity.
The controversy surrounding these leaflets coincided with Roma and Sinti Genocide Remembrance Day. It serves as a crucial reminder that we must learn from the past and replace the campaign of hatred and denigration with recognition of GRT individuals as human beings deserving of investment, opportunities, and hope.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
