Seeing Red on Facebook

Courier Countryside Column for 11 July

Danger of Demonising Travellers

I have a number of ‘friends’ on Facebook whose views I do not necessarily share.  And sometimes they post something that so incenses me that I fire off an intemperate comment.

One such was triggered by an article in the Telegraph alleging Travellers, having taken over a favourite spot in a village, only agreed to leave after local residents clubbed together and bought the field from them - for £75k more than they’d originally paid.

My ‘friend’ posted about the Travellers:  “I detest the PC attitude that tries to protect their criminal ways in the name of equality.”  And a ‘friend’ of his responded: “Direct action. Don't wait on the state.”

Well, I know I really shouldn’t have, but I just saw red, typed the following sarcastic comment and hit the send button:  “why don’t you just round them up and put them in a concentration camp, after all they’re not human.”

A few people supported my ironic stance and a lively debate followed.  On one side was the view was that we demonise this group for choosing a lifestyle different to ours and we should show compassion to people less fortunate.  But the other strand views Travellers collectively as petty larcenists and asks how you’d feel if their caravans moved onto your land or land next to you?

A little research shows that statutory responsibility for councils to provide sites for Travellers was removed in 1994 leading, unsurprisingly, to an increase in unauthorised encampments.  Government figures suggest 25% of the 15,000  Gypsy and Traveller caravans in England are on unauthorised sites.

The same report goes on to say: “Gypsies and Travellers are believed to experience the worst health and education status of any disadvantaged group in England. Research has consistently confirmed the link between the lack of good quality sites …  and poor health and education. The provision of more authorised sites will help contribute to better health and education outcomes in the area”

So there you have it.  You allow local authorities not to make proper provision. Unauthorised sites increase, health and education falls and popular prejudice grows.

So what’s being done?  Well Whitehall’s ‘new approach’ is for local authorities to ‘take the lead’ in assessing the needs of Gypsies and Travellers.

But even if their assessment demonstrates a need, they still don’t actually have to do anything about it. Terrific. Is it any wonder intolerance increases?