Thread by @GypsyTravellers

🔴WATCH LIVE: Philomena Mongan from @LondonGypsyTrav, @GallagherGRT, @bowers_jake and @mwillersqc of @gardencourtlaw making oral submissions to the Human Rights Cmte on the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill.

parliamentlive.tv/Event/Index/0b…

.@GallagherGRT on the Bill's impact on the Rights of the Child, "this Bill is a dangerous presence to children's development"... arguing that Gypsy and Traveller children are going to face a lot more hate and discrimination, because it's bad enough for how it currently stands.

.@mwillersqc "Public authorities have a duty to take account of humanitarian considerations - there is existing public guidance for local authorities issued by the [SoS of @mhclg] that explains that welfare considerations need to be taken into account." (1/4)

"The police also have guidance... before they take the decision to issue a direction and indeed subsequently arrest for failure to comply with the direction, public officials and law enforcement officers will, no doubt, take into account that guidance." (2/4)

"Ultimately though, if the decision is taken to direct Gypsies and Travellers to leave, [Gypsies and Travellers] would find it very difficult to not comply. Indeed, they would end up before a magistrate and ultimately have their vehicle [read: home] seized. (3/4)

"We know, the police are not asking for increased or strengthened powers - the vast majority of police forces say that the powers are sufficient. What is needed is more sites, temporary, transit and permit. (4/END)

gypsy-traveller.org/news/police-re…