The Conservative party has pledged to implement a crackdown on illegal traveler sites if returned to power, aiming to prevent groups from indefinitely returning to encampments.
This policy hinges on withdrawing from the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and repealing the Human Rights Act, according to statements from the party. The Tories also aim to curb abuses of the planning process, asserting that the current system unfairly benefits travelers over homeowners.
The party accused the Labour party of weakening protections for the countryside and undermining enforcement, citing a 35 percent increase in caravans on unauthorized sites since the last election. The hamlet of Sandway in Kent has been identified as a particular hotspot, with five new sites appearing in nine months, causing significant local discontent.
Travelers have been observed occupying fields shortly after local council offices close for bank holidays, establishing hardstanding for static caravans, and subsequently disregarding orders to leave. Sir James Cleverly, the Tories' communities spokesman, stated that communities are forced to tolerate lawbreaking by a minority of travelers, negatively impacting local populations.
"With new freedoms gained by leaving the ECHR, we will end the soft-touch approach favoured by Labour and ensure everyone is treated equally under the law," Cleverly said. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp added, "Those who break the rules must be punished. That is a basic principle that must apply equally to all communities."
Previously, tough laws enacted by a Conservative government that granted police extra powers to evict individuals from unauthorized encampments were struck down by judges prior to the 2024 election. The High Court ruled these rules constituted unlawful race discrimination against Gypsies and travelers under human rights law.
In response to these court decisions, Labour proposed banning travelers from returning to unauthorized sites for three months, a measure the Tories deemed "effectively useless" as travelers could simply cycle through a limited number of locations. The Conservative proposals include imposing indefinite return bans and granting police the authority to remove travelers from a site at the landowner's request, rather than only in cases of significant damage or distress.
Furthermore, the party intends to end the practice of applying for planning permission retrospectively for caravan sites, countering a "build first, apply for permission later" approach.
Representatives from the traveler community have argued that they are sometimes left with no alternative but to break the law. Cliff Codona of the National Travellers' Action Group claimed that planning applications are often halted once an applicant is identified as being of Gypsy heritage.
A Labour spokesperson commented that the Conservatives left the planning system in disarray and asserted that the current Labour government has implemented strong safeguards for green belt developments and is ensuring a clearer, more consistent approach to planning. The spokesperson also stated that leaving the ECHR would jeopardize partnerships essential for removing individuals who arrive illegally.