General Article Enough is enough: calling an end to racist points-scoring

Topic Selected: Racism Book Volume: 447

An election year is the ideal time to address anti-Gypsy, Roma and Traveller rhetoric, says Yvonne MacNamara.

In this super-election year, as political parties gear up for campaigns and strategise their platforms, there’s one issue that cannot be swept under the rug any longer: the pervasive racism faced by Romani (Gypsy), Roma and Irish Traveller communities across Britain.

Discrimination against these communities is as common as rain, yet it seems to be conveniently overlooked or exploited for political gain. This year we say enough is enough.

In the same week the former Labour Party candidates for Rochdale and Hyndburn were rightfully dropped for anti-Semitism, another story broke highlighting the deep-rooted racism that pervades our society.

The Equalities and Human Rights Commission served Pontins with an unlawful act notice after an investigation by the equality watchdog found multiple instances of race discrimination against Irish Travellers.

The day before we wrote to the le...

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