It’s everyone’s right to vote and be protected from hate speech. With the London local elections approaching on 7th May, LGT is encouraging people to vote for candidates who are respectful to Gypsies and Travellers.
Since Easter, there has been a surge in political statements and articles making generalised claims about supposed criminal and anti-social activities by Gypsies and Travellers – without presenting much evidence or asking Gypsies and Travellers for their point of view.
This is all linked to the forthcoming elections, says Nancy Hawker, Policy and Research Officer at LGT.
“Election time is when politicians score points by promising us the moon,” she says. “They pledge to build new homes… and evict Travellers. But it’s unacceptable to play political football with people and portray them negatively on the basis of their ethnicity or the disadvantages that they face. There is strong evidence that prejudice against Gypsies and Travellers, and some other groups, is socially sanctioned in casual and political debate.”
Incitement against Gypsies and Travellers has real consequences. Traveller James Burgin, who purchased land south of London and applied for permission for three family caravans, was faced with a Member of Parliament and local councillors calling his home-making “infuriating”. After their statements were reported in the news, James’s caravan was vandalised, he told London Gypsies and Travellers in April. Three young children endured the experience.
Political debate is conducted under freedom of speech laws, which allow politicians to express uncomfortable facts and unpopular opinions. But they do not allow them to incite hatred and spread misinformation. The majority of the British public want the media to stop reporting hateful lies, according to a YouGov poll.
It is not difficult to debate respectfully. The Equalities and Human Rights Commission has issued guidance to politicians and there are candidates in all parties who abide by this. Some even champion the rights of groups that are discriminated against.
Voting on 7th May can be guided by those who show respect, says Philomena Mongan, LGT Community Engagement Officer. “We won’t be put off by the haters. We vote for the candidates who listen and take action for us when we say we are being erased from London. Then we can hold them to their word.”
Don’t forget to take your voter ID to the polling booths on 7th May.
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