Deputy PM defends Gypsy and traveller site leaflet
The leaflet asked voters if they would like to see a traveller site next to their homes
At a glance
Deputy PM Oliver Dowden said Mr Davies was "standing up for his constituents"
Conservative MP David TC Davies's leaflet asked if voters wanted a Gypsy and traveller site next to their house
Gwent Police says it is "reviewing" its contents
Mr Davies says the leaflet was not a criticism of the Gypsy and traveller community
- Published
Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden has defended the Welsh Secretary's leaflet which raised concerns about plans for a Gypsy and traveller site.
The leaflet sent by David Davies asks his constituents in Monmouth if they were aware of the plans and whether they would want a site next their house.
In an interview with Sky News, Mr Dowden said his colleague was "standing up for his constituents".
An advocacy group said it was "intended to create hostile environment for Gypsies and travellers".
Oliver Dowden says he fully supported his colleague's actions
- Published11 August 2022
- Published3 October 2018
Gwent Police said it was considering “the content of the leaflet and its impact on the Gypsy and traveller and settled communities in Monmouthshire".
The statement follows concerns raised by the Travelling Ahead group.
Mr Dowden, asked if he thought the language on the leaflet was racist, told Sky News: "No, and I think what David TC Davies was doing was highlighting the failure of the local Labour council to carry out a proper consultation on this, that is entirely what people would expect their local members of Parliament to do.
"He is standing up for his constituents, making their case for them and I totally support his right to do that."
Speaking on Talk TV, Labour's Carolyn Harris said Mr Davies was "known for gaffes".
Carolyn Harris said Mr Davies was a very nice man but prone to making gaffes
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The leaflet by Mr Davies carries the headline “Gypsy and traveller site coming to your area soon" before discussing a Monmouthshire council consultation on establishing "a number of Gypsy traveller sites" in the county.
It raises concerns that "there will be insufficient consultation with the members of the public affected".
The second page then asks respondents yes or no questions about the consultation, including: "Would you like to see a traveller site next to your house?"
The leaflet asks residents if they were aware of the plans and if they wanted a traveller site next to them
Travelling Ahead, which provides advocacy and advice for Gypsy, Roma and traveller communities in Wales, said the leaflet was a "clear breach of Equality Act, dog whistle actions intended to create hostile environment for Gypsies and travellers".
Det Insp Steve Thomas said: "We take any allegation of discrimination extremely seriously and we’re committed to ensuring our communities are safe places and welcoming for all."
In a statement, Mr Davies said: "The location of authorised and unauthorised traveller sites is a legitimate matter for public debate and scrutiny.
"It is entirely valid to criticise a lack of wide public consultation by a council.
"I have been contacted by many upset residents at the shortness of the consultation and the proposed locations for the sites.
"I have also been told that many from the Gypsy and traveller community are also upset at the proposed locations for the sites. This is not a criticism of the Gypsy and traveller community."