Open letter to the Gypsy/Traveller community in Scotland
Letter from the Minister for Equalities and Older People to the Gypsy/Traveller community regarding the UK Government’s Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022.
1 July 2022
Dear community
UK Government Legislation – Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022
I wanted to reach out to the Gypsy/Traveller community in Scotland about a recent law coming into effect in England and Wales.
I know many of you will be concerned about what this law means and the negative attitude it portrays towards Gypsy/Travellers.
I want to be clear, this law does not apply to Scotland. We want Scotland to be a safe, happy and welcoming place for all Gypsy/Travellers.
Our ‘Improving Lives for Gypsy/Travellers’ Action Plan seeks to improve outcomes across all aspects of society including, accommodation, health, education and social security.
We continue to work closely with the community, COSLA and others to achieve positive outcomes and reduce inequalities.
I give you my reassurance and commitment that the Scottish Government supports our Gypsy/Traveller communities and strongly condemns any measures that stifles and harms the community’s culture and way of life.
Yours sincerely,
Christina McKelvie
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