Big Fat Gypsy Protest in London this weekend

Romany Gypsies from across Britain have organised a protest in London this weekend at government plans to make the Gypsy way of life harder.

In recent months, the government has been consulting on new laws that will have a massive impact on those attempting preserve a traditional Gypsy way of life. The conservative led coalition government claims its proposals to reform planning law will put 'power back into the hands of the people'.

Currently being debated in parliament the government’s flagship Localism Bill includes clauses to reduce appeal rights in retrospective planning applications and allow local planning authorities to refuse to consider planning application where enforcement notices have already been issued. The ending of the right of appeal would effectively deny access to justice for Gypsy and Traveller families across Britain who have provided their own site.

 “It’s time we stood together to fight these proposed laws,” said a spokesman for The English Romany Gypsy Society . “Because if they become a reality our way of life will become more outlawed.”

The English Romany Gypsy Society has organised a protest against anti-Gypsy/Traveller racism this weekend from Saturday 26 - Sunday 27 February 2011, from 10am onwards at the Old Palace Yard, Westminster, London SW1P.


For further information phone the English Romany Gypsy Society on 07826 465 221 or see www.irr.org.uk/2011/february/ha000014.html