News & events

Updates, information and news from London Gypsies and Travellers

Latest news

Crowdfunding for injunction legal challenge

November 13, 2019

London Gypsies and Travellers is trying to raise £8000 to help fund its legal challenge to local councils who have won injunction orders banning Gypsies and Travellers from stopping on open spaces – effectively criminalising a way of life. We believe these injunctions break the Equality Act and discriminate against Gypsies and Travellers. We are …

Traveller histories exhibition opens in Thamesmead

November 8, 2019

A new exhibition which showcases the lives and experiences of London’s oldest cultural minority, Romany Gypsies and Irish Travellers, will open on the 19 November at the Information Hub in Thamesmead. London Gypsies and Travellers is working in partnership with Peabody, London’s oldest housing association, to bring the exhibition to Thamesmead. The exhibition was first …

Police powers criminalise a way of life

November 5, 2019

New government proposals giving police powers to arrest and seize the property of people on unauthorised caravan sites threaten to criminalise an ancient way of life, according to London Gypsies and Travellers. This week Home Secretary Priti Patel announced that she was launching a consultation on new proposals which will make “trespassing while setting up …

Travellers pledge to end injunctions

October 9, 2019

Gypsies, Travellers and supporters gathered on 1st October to kick off the LGT campaign against council injunctions stopping “persons unknown” from camping on public land. These “wide” injunctions mean that anyone stopping could be fined, imprisoned or have their property seized.  They threaten Gypsies’ and Travellers’ traditional way of life. Almost 40 councils in England …

LGT starts campaign against injunctions

September 24, 2019

Following the judgement that refused Bromley’s injunction against stopping on land in the Borough earlier this year, the council is appealing the decision and is supported by three other local authorities in London. London Gypsies and Travellers will continue to be involved in the appeal hearing which will take place on 3rd December at the …

Travellers challenge Haringey Council

July 22, 2019

Haringey Travellers took a deputation to Haringey Council on Monday 15th July to press for action on new sites and poor site management. The group, led by seven Haringey Travellers, included workers from London Gypsies and Travellers. Travellers are angry that the council has let their sites fall into disrepair. They have already taken action …

London history on show at City Hall

July 2, 2019

London Gypsies and Travellers has launched a major new resource on Gypsy and Traveller life in London from the 19th century to the present day – mapping histories, memories and struggles over many generations. The resource was showcased at an exhibition at City Hall, London, last week – where visitors could view interactive online maps …

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 …

Mapping the Histories of London’s Travellers

June 17, 2019

London Gypsies and Travellers will be displaying a new exhibition on Wednesday 26th June at City Hall, on the lower ground in the London Map area. The exhibition is open from 11am-6pm. There will be a presentation of the project between 4-5pm. Everyone is welcome! ‘Mapping the Histories of London’s Travellers’ gives new insights into …

LGT wins court challenge to encampment bans

May 17, 2019

An LGT court challenge has dealt a blow to local authorities introducing bans on Gypsies and Travellers camping on open land in London. Following an intervention by LGT, supported by lawyers specialising in human rights, an application by Bromley Council for an injunction prohibiting camping on 171 open spaces and car parks in the borough has been refused …