Today, a coalition of organisations have launched a ‘pledge card’ which allows MPs to declare their support for Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities in the United Kingdom. Friends Families and Travellers who are co-ordinating the campaign are calling for people to approach their MP and to ask them to make a pledge to stand up against racism directed towards Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities.
The pledge cards have already been signed by Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer and MP for Hayes and Harlington John McDonnell, Kate Green MP for Stretford and Urmston, Deidre Brock MP for Edinburgh North and Leith, Lloyd Russell-Moyle MP for Brighton Kemptown, Alex Sobel MP for Leeds North West and Catherine West, MP for Hornsey and Wood Green.
By signing the pledge cards, MPs make a commitment to challenge all forms of discrimination against Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities and to work to ensure all members of Gypsy and Traveller communities have a place to live.
Organisations backing the pledge cards include Friends Families and Travellers, the National Federation of Gypsy and Traveller Liaison Groups, the Gypsy Council, London Gypsies and Travellers, the Traveller Movement, GATE Herts, Roma Support Group, Derbyshire Gypsy Liason Group and Leeds GATE.
Members of parliament, members of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities and members of the public can order a pledge card on Friends Families and Travellers’ dedicated webpage.
Speaking about the launch of the pledge card, Sarah Mann, Director of Friends Families and Travellers said:
“At least one in 200 people in the UK are from Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities, yet the lives and experiences of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller constituents are rarely taken into account in politics or policy making.
We’re calling on MPs to stand up against the appalling racism many members of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities experience on a daily basis and to take serious action on the longstanding shortage of places for Gypsy and Traveller communities to live. We hope that you will stand with us.”
Notes for Editor
About Friends, Families and Travellers (FFT)
Friends, Families and Travellers is a leading national charity that works on behalf of all Gypsies, Roma and Travellers regardless of ethnicity, culture or background.
Media Contact
Sarah Sweeney, Policy and Communications Manager
Tel: 01273 234 038 Email: sarahsweeney@gypsy-traveller.org
