ITALIAN GOVERNMENT AND ROMA PEOPLE

Early day motion 2050, tabled 15 July 2008 by Bob Russell (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 30 members.

That this House registers with revulsion the actions taken by the Italian government against Roma people; regards such actions, coupled with television footage of Italians verbally abusing and harassing Roma people, and the deliberate burning of Roma property, to be an unwelcome reminder of Italy's 20th century fascist regime; affirms that such discrimination is not compatible with the United Nations Charter and the principles of equality of all citizens laid down in requirements for membership of the European Union; and calls on the Government to make urgent representations to the Italian government to cease repressive measures against the Roma community and to uphold the UN Charter and the principles of EU membership.

Signatures by party: Labour 18, Liberal Democrat 7, Independent 2, Social Democratic and Labour Party 2, Conservative 1.