Creating a fairer Britain
The Commission agrees with the petitioner that "the real goal which has to be achieved from this process is the opportunity for more authorised sites for the Gypsy / Traveller community throughout Scotland". We believe that the only way in which relations between Gypsy Traveller communities and the settled community will be resolved is through acceptance on all sides of the following three basic pre-conditions:
1. Land - that until sufficient appropriate land is secured for Gypsy Travellers, the issue of unlawful encampment will continue to fester.
2. Legitimacy - that there needs to be acceptance on all sides that Gypsy Travellers, whether indigenous to Scotland or as temporary visitors, are a part of Scottish society and have been for many centuries. They have rights and responsibilities that must be upheld.
3. Leadership - central to any resolution is the willingness of local leaders - particularly political leaders - to focus on the solution to the problems and not the symptoms. Gypsy Travellers communities must also identify and respect leadership within their own communities to enable productive discussions.
The Commission's response is now available for download.
Please contact the Policy Team on 0141 228 5910 if you require any further information.