Gypsy and Traveller rights MPs re-elected

In a rare piece of good news for Labour, Gypsy and Traveller rights champion Kate Green MP retained her seat in last week’s general election in the face of a Conservative landslide.

Kate Green OBE, Member of Parliament for Stretford and Urmston in Greater Manchester since 2010, has long been a champion of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller rights and is the current co-chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Gypsies, Roma and Travellers.

Abbie Kirkby, Advice and Policy Manager at Friends, Families and Travellers, a national charity, said that they were really pleased to see that Kate Green had been re-elected as MP, especially given their experience of working with her when she was in role as Co-chair of the APPG for Gypsies, Travellers and Roma.

“Kate is a tenacious supporter of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities and was recognised for her contributions at the No 2 H8 Crime Awards this year, winning the Upstanding Parliamentarian Award,” said Abbie Kirby.

“The APPG will be re-forming early next year, to continue fighting for the rights of Gypsies, Roma and Travellers in the UK.”

“There is a long road ahead, battling the consultation on trespass, addressing access to Settled Status for Roma people and challenging hate speech directed toward Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities. We look forward to seeing old and new members in the new year and collaborating to make change for Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities.”

Kate Green was one of the MP’s who signed a pledge to stand up to racism and discrimination against Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people. Other MPs to sign the pledge cards were MP for Hayes and Harlington John McDonnell, 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. All these MPs were also re-elected.

TT News

(Lead photograph - Kate Green MP - "tenacious supporter of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities")