The Dale Farm eviction should be seen against the background of the widespread harassment of Roma currently occurring in almost all parts of Europe, Ms Leticia Osorio, director of Essex University Human Rights Law Clinic, told the meeting. “The UK has already received a note of concern from the UN over this eviction,” she said. “International law requires that the British Government see that Dale Farm families are not just put out on the road.”

Raising the matter of the contract signed between Basildon and Constant, Prof Thomas Acton, of Greenwich University, warned that failure to take into account all the dangers inherent in the operation and possible discrepancies regarding safety issues could, in the event of a fatal injury, lead to charges of conspiracy and corporate manslaughter.

... Relations between Travelers and the police needed improving, said Dr Robert Watt, at present on a sabbatical from Essex University Law School. He said respect for the families facing eviction might go a long way towards changing perceptions on both sides. The situation at Dale Farm was both a challenge and an opportunity.^[1]

1. ^ http://euyouthspeak.org/roma/?p=13438

It was revealed at a top level meeting with Essex Police Authority that contrary to earlier reports Basildon council will have to bear the huge policing costs of its planned eviction operation against Dale Farm, the UK’s biggest Traveller community. That cost, in addition to almost three million already set aside, according to chairman of the EPA Mr Robert Chambers, will be “in excess” of half a million pounds. However, Dale Farm representatives stressed that the eviction could still be averted if Basildon agreed to their latest efforts to obtain planning approval for a temporary alternative mobile-home park at Gardiners Lane South. This location, close to Dale Farm, is earmarked for a large housing complex which has been shelved for five years. At the meeting concerns over past breaches of safety law by bailiffs were met with an assurance from the EPA that police officers would see that Constant & Co., the bailiff outfit hired by Basildon, would at all times keep within the law. Safety laws required that a demolition site should be fenced in and children, along with other vulnerable people, excluded, before heavy machinery commenced work, Dale Farm Housing Association secretary Grattan Puxon said while outling residents’ fears over the eviction. He added that Wickford churches were offering to open church halls to shelter mothers and children during the initial phase. While welcoming that initiative, Mr Chambers said overall operational details would be in the hands of Assistant Chief Constable Derek Benson. He suggested the DFHA meet with him to discuss specific issues involving safety and protection of property. “I can tell you our officers will be impatial in upholding the law, Mr Chambers reiterated. “I’m very keen on that.” The Dale Farm eviction should be seen against the background of the widespread harassment of Roma currently occuring in almost all parts of Europe, Ms Leticia Osorio, director of Essex University Human Rights Law Clinic, told the meeting. “The UK has already received a note of concern from the UN over this eviction,” she said. “International law requires that the British Government see that Dale Farm families are not just put out on the road.” Raising the matter of the contract signed between Basildon and Constant, Prof Thomas Acton, of Greenwich University, warned that failure to take into account all the dangers inherent in the operation and possible discrepancies regarding safety issues could, in the event of a fatal injury, lead to charges of conspiracy and corporate manslaughter. “I intend with others to help monitor this eviction,” Prof. Acton declared. “We’ll be watching out for safety breaches and will be ready to call in Health and Safety Executive inspectors.” Relations between Travellers and the police needed improving, said Dr Robert Watt, at present on a sabatical from Essex University Law School. He said respect for the framilies facing eviction might go a long way towards changing perceptions on both sides. The situation at Dale Farm was both a challenge and an opportunity. But above all, he emphasised, the young should be safeguarded from excesses by bailiffs, especially if as previously they were not certified to manhandle children. “We’ll want to scrutinize the risk assessment report which Basildon has promised,” said Dr Watt. “This is something the law requires and should not be withheld.”　

What about our human rights? Standing room only as 600 residents join protest against gipsy invasion of their village

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1273480/What-human-rights-Standing-room-600-join-protest-gipsy-invasion-village.html

It is the daily mail though, it is well known that the Daily mail turns almost anything into an issue of immigration or race.

It is certainly possible that the eviction is racially motivated and it is almost certain that some of the protesters are essentially being racict. However it is less likely that the eviction by the council is racially motivated as British councils tend to like moving all sorts of people on. Take the overuse of the terrorism act in London or the clearing of College Green outside of the Houses of Parliament of protesters.^[1] it is not surprising that the council should eventually clamp down and want to move travellers on.

As a local, living in Basildon for many years, I can confirm that the disgraceful actions against this particular community are part of a larger plan, designed to remove "undesirables" from the area, to raise the class profile, and gentrify the New Town. It is unlikely to be successful, but people may well suffer in the process. The people of Basildon shold be afraid. They are flexing their muscles against a group they think are unlikely to have too much backing from others. All the arguments they put forward against this group are ridiculous, the area where they are living is relatively isolated, their presence has almost no impact on the rest of the community.

1. ^ http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2010/may/25/boris-johnson-parliament-square-peace-camp