Board of Deputies submission to ‘unauthorised encampments’ consultation displays solidarity with Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities

The Board of Deputies has sent a submission to the Government’s consultation on unauthorised encampments in order to show solidarity with Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities in the UK.

Board of Deputies Vice President Edwin Shuker said: “The Government is right to seek a solution to the problem of unauthorised encampments. However, any proposals must be very careful in terms of their potential impact on Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities, which are already some of the most marginalised and persecuted in the UK.  It is the lack of authorised sites which is the root of the problem.”

Human rights organisation René Cassin shares the Board of Deputies’ concerns

René Cassin Director Mia Hasenson-Gross said:  “René Cassin, the Jewish voice for human rights,  has listened to widespread concerns raised by  within Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (GRT) communities regarding the Government’s consultation (on “strengthening police powers to tackle unauthorised encampments.”) and shares the Board of Deputies’ concerns about the ways in which the proposed legislation could impact GRT families and communities, who already face marginalisation and persecution.”

The Board of Deputies has held various meetings and roundtable with Gypsy, Roma and Traveller organisations in an effort to build bridges between these communities and British Jews.