Manchester update (January 2025)

By The Traveller Movement

TM are committed to ensuring accountability and justice following the controversial mass dispersal order issued by Greater Manchester Police, and we wanted to share an update on the significant progress made to date.

Our formal complaint, spearheaded by Billy Welch, is now well underway and has been accepted by Grater Manchester Police, this work is supported by Ryan Bradshaw of Leigh Day law firm. The complaint represents a critical step in challenging the actions taken and advocating for the rights of the affected communities.

In addition to this, we have been actively engaging key stakeholders to ensure that this issue remains on the radar of decision-makers. We have held with sector colleagues’ constructive meetings with the Mayor’s Office to discuss the broader implications of the dispersal order and to push for meaningful, systemic change.

To provide legal support for individuals impacted, we’ve also reached out to  ITN ) law firm, who are now actively taking on cases related to the dispersal order. Their expertise will be vital in securing justice for those affected and in challenging unfair treatment at a legal level.

As part of our commitment to sector-wide collaboration and community empowerment, we hosted an online webinar, bringing together advocates, legal experts, and community members. The webinar focused on raising awareness of the legal options available and equipping families and individuals with practical advice to challenge unjust actions.

This is just the beginning of our work on this case, and we remain steadfast in our efforts to achieve accountability, protect rights, and ensure that such actions are not repeated. We are grateful for the continued support and solidarity from the community and our partners as we move forward.

We will continue to keep you updated as this work progresses, and you can always keep track on our Manchester page too.