Manchester 2024

Immediate release 

Date: 23rd November 2024

Manchester Police have this afternoon allegedly blocked Romani Gypsies and Irish Traveller children from attending the Christmas markets.

This heavy-handed and discriminatory action has left children upset and distressed, with parents deeply concerned about the treatment that their children have faced.

We have been contacted by numerous parents and received video footage of Romani Gypsy and Irish Traveller children arriving into Manchester, and then being forced onto a different train and prevented from leaving the station by police. These children were simply trying to enjoy the festivities like everyone else but instead have been unfairly targeted and marginalised.

This is a shocking case and it is completely unacceptable. We will not stand by while our communities are discriminated against and excluded in this way.

Manchester Police must be held accountable for their alleged actions and take immediate steps to end this blatant injustice.

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Contacts  

020 7607 2002 

Anyone impacted by today’s events can contact Olivia Hammond on esju@travellermovement.org.uk or on 07908 433413. For any other enquiries, contact yvonne@travellermovement.org.uk