What should be done about illegal Traveller sites in Britain?

Several Tory MPs have demanded that the government take a stronger approach to dealing with unauthorised Traveller sites.

They urged the UK to follow Ireland’s example and make acts of deliberate trespass a criminal offence during a debate in the House of Commons earlier this week, the Press Association reports.

Local residents often raise concerns about antisocial behaviour linked to such camps, including fly-tipping and noise, ministers say.

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“Invariably when they leave, they leave behind a trail of devastation of rubbish which costs the local taxpayer an enormous amount to clear up,” said Tim Loughton, MP for East Worthing and Shoreham.

He added that Travellers on illegal sites should be liable for fines and compensation, “and they might then get the message they cannot continue with impunity trampling over the rights of local people”.

The debate come as the government prepares to publish its response to a review launched in April, which looked at the law around unauthorised caravan sites and developments.

Rayleigh and Wickford MP Mark Francois said there “will be real anger in this place if, as a result of this consultation, the government doesn't do something meaningful” to tackle the issue.

But those in the Traveller community say a lack of funding and political will has led to a severe shortage of sites, forcing them into illegal encampments in car parks and on playing fields.

"The government should focus on supporting local authorities to build more authorised sites and stopping places - and to allow Gypsies and Travellers who want sites on their own land equitable access to the planning system,” Jim Davies from The Traveller Movement charity told the BBC.

He added that criminalising their way of life “is unhelpful and will only aggravate issues experienced by Gypsies, Roma and Irish travellers whilst ensuring even poorer relations” with the rest of society.

Recent research carried out by the charity revealed that 91% of the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller community had experienced discrimination because of their ethnicity, and 77% had experienced hate speech or a hate crime.

“The doors of England are open to every culture, every colour and every creed - that is, unless you are a Gypsy or Traveller, then you are not welcome,” Debbie Saunders, a Romany Gypsy told the BBC.

“I'm faced with hatred and racism every day of my life,” she adds. “Why should I have to change my life, my culture, my heritage to conform with the ideals of the non-travellers?”