ACCOMMODATION FOR GYPSIES AND TRAVELLERS

Early day motion 892, tabled 10 March 2005 by Kevin McNamara (Labour). Signed by 23 members.

That this House applauds the Deputy Prime Minister for attempting to address the urgent accommodation needs of the gypsy and traveller community and condemns the vile and deplorable Stamp on the Camps campaign launched by The Sun newspaper; welcomes the positive impact of the Human Rights Act in protecting the rights and well-being of all sections of the population, particularly minority groups vulnerable to discrimination; believes that the shortage of sites has had a negative impact on the social inclusion of gypsies and travellers, has caused inconvenience for the settled community and led to a deterioration in community relations; further believes that the cycle of forced eviction and unplanned relocation must be broken; denounces those exploiting community tensions to incite racial hatred against gypsies and travellers; further believes that local authorities failing to respond to the demonstrable accommodation needs of gypsies and travellers must be instructed to identify more and appropriate land for authorised sites within their area plans; and urges the Government to stand firm behind its commitment to action.

Signatures by party: Labour 19, Liberal Democrat 3, Conservative 1.