In recent months the Gypsy and Travelling communities have come under increasing attacks from the right-wing media and local authorities.

* Local authorities which should provide sites for the Gypsy/Traveller communities have failed in their obligations. Many families have been forced into buying plots that they are then unable to develop because of planning rules and/or are forced in to disputes with communities where land is purchased.

* Furthermore the recent Channel Four programme ‘My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding’ has focussed unwanted attention on the Gypsy and Traveller communities The programme has been widely condemned for its sensationalist stereotyping and failing to give a rounded picture of Gypsy/traveller life.

Notes

1. This protest has been organised by the English Romany Gypsy Society which is based in the Midlands, for further information phone 07826 465 221 or email:  englishromanygypsysociety@gmail.com

2. The protest will take place on Saturday 26 - Sunday 27 February 2011, from 10am onwards each day at the Old Palace Yard, Westminster, London SW1P