I’m standing up for you, says Mayor

June 24, 2019

London’s Mayor Sadiq Khan said he was determined to improve the quality of life of Gypsies and Travellers at an event celebrating Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month at London’s City Hall.

At an event on 14th June to celebrate the rich culture and heritage of Gypsies, Roma, Traveller and Showmen communities in London, the Mayor met with members of the community and organisations representing them, including London Gypsies and Travellers.

In his speech the Mayor recognised the long – and continuing – history of prejudice, discrimination and persecution endured by Gypsy, Roma and Irish Traveller communities. “It’s still clear we have a long way to go to stamp out this scourge once and for all,” he said, adding that his administration was taking a zero tolerance approach to hate crimes.

“We’re also standing up for you and your communities,” he said. “We are supporting some of the excellent organisations here today to make a real difference to the lives of Gypsy, Roma and Irish Traveller Londoners. By working together like this, I’m confident that we can improve the quality of life of your communities and break down some of the barriers and negative stereotypes that sadly still exist.”

This is the second year in a row that City Hall has hosted a celebration of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month. LGT helped organise the event alongside the Mayor’s office and other Gypsy, Roma and Traveller organisations. Mena Mongan, LGT’s Community Engagement Officer, spoke about the need for the community – especially young people – to stand up, be proud of who they are and challenge discrimination.

There were presentations of work from the Traveller Movement and the Roma Support Group, a short film from the Gypsy Roma and Traveller Police Association, and a celebration of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller culture with live music, circus acts and dance.

Pictured: Members of the community and LGT representatives with London’s Mayor Sadiq Khan at the event

More news

LGT’s impact marked in report and new film

February 12, 2024

LGT’s achievements over 25 years as an independent charity are marked in its 2023 Annual Report and a new film charting the organisation’s history and impact. “Throughout this time, LGT has consistently fought for equality and against discrimination, and been dedicated to keeping Gypsies and Travellers included in the decisions that affect them,” writes Helena …

Should we have a day to celebrate Irish Travellers?

November 30, 2023

Travellers and their organisations in Ireland and the UK have met to discuss plans to create an international day to celebrate the rich heritage and culture of Irish Travellers. “We are proposing an annual opportunity to raise awareness of the rich cultural traditions and heritage of our people,” said Mena Mongan of London Gypsies and …

Wide injunctions ruled legal but rarely justifiable

November 29, 2023

The Supreme Court has ruled that wide injunctions have a negative impact on the ability of Gypsies and Travellers to pursue a nomadic way of life. But it has also rejected an appeal lodged by London Gypsies and Travellers, Friends, Families and Travellers (FFT) and Derbyshire Gypsy Liaison Group (DGLG) in relation to the granting of wide …