"I always ask myself the question: “How would I feel if this were my street?” And the answer to that question in this case, is that I would entirely share the concerns that have been expressed to me"

Here's the full pieces and some thoughts from me:

https://www.tobyperkins.org.uk/2018/02/06/toby-perkins-responds-to-proposals-to-establish-two-new-permanent-pitches-for-gypsies-and-travellers-in-chesterfield/ https://twitter.com/tristandross/status/1276433446647279616

The language used by Perkins shows that Gypsies and Travellers will never be seen as part of local communities, or indeed even as constituents. Without saying it, it drives home the message that Gypsies and Travellers are invaders and unwanted outsiders. You do not belong here.

Replace Traveller with any other ethnic group and tell me that it would be okay to raise concerns about housing people? No it wouldn't and you know it. If you don't want people to set up unauthorised encampments but also don't provide sites, then what are people to do?

I've had some people suggest to me that I should become more involved in politics etc and this is why I don't want to. Because even within the labour party you aren't truly accepted, even in the most liberal of spaces. A constant reminder that I'm not sure why we actually bother