David Davis' flyer asked residents, «Would you like to see a travel site near your home?» No. 39; Photo: Wales News Service
The Cabinet Minister is facing a police investigation into an allegedly 'racist' campaign leaflet about a proposed new travel destination in his constituency.
David T. S. Davies, Minister for Wales, raised his concerns about the inadequacy of council advice on the website in a leaflet sent to voters in July.
However, after discrimination complaints were filed with the Gwent police, officers said they were reviewing the content on the basis of what it might represent a non-criminal hate incident.
The move comes despite Swella Braverman, the home secretary, telling the force in June that they should cut back on their work on such cases and not just «because someone got offended.»
< p>Mr Davies, MP for Monmouth, said the leaflet was not «a criticism of the gypsy and travel community» who he understood were also unhappy with the plans for the site.
He said: “The location of authorized and unauthorized sites for travelers is a legitimate issue for public discussion and scrutiny. It is entirely fair to criticize the council for its lack of extensive public consultation.
«Many residents, frustrated that I did not have enough time for consultations and proposed site sites, contacted me.»
«Absolutely horrified »Ms. Braverman is concerned that the police are «wasting time» studying MPs' leaflets.
A source close to the home secretary told The Telegraph: «Police should be focused on reducing crime, not investigating legitimate public interests.
«It seems like a waste of time. People want the police on their streets to prevent crime and catch criminals, not to check parliamentary leaflets.”
Gwent Police recorded a 12 percent increase in reported crimes over the past year, including an increase in shoplifting by 38 percent and a 31 percent increase in thefts from people.
In the year to March, it was the eighth worst area in the country in terms of crimes per capita and also the worst in Wales.
Home Office figures also show that only 5.5% of reported crimes resulted in charges or subpoena until September 2022, up from 8% a year earlier.
The controversy erupted over a leaflet Mr. Davis sent out to voters in his constituency to seek their views on the proposed new site for gypsies and travelers.
It was called «A site for gypsies and travelers coming soon to your area!» and asked residents: “Would you like to have a travel site near your home?”
A leaflet sent out in late July added: “Local MP David Davis believes consultation with the affected public will not be enough” .
It said that the council plans to hold a short consultation period during the summer, when many residents will not be able to participate.
leaflet distributed by David Davis. Photo: WALES NEWS SERVICE
Traveling Ahead, an advisory service for Gypsies, Roma and travelers based in Wales, said it was contacted by residents who were «absolutely scared» by this.
Trudy Aspinwall, the charity's project manager, told WalesOnline: «Just replace the words 'gypsy and traveler' with any other ethnic group, and you will see that this is racism.»
“There is no doubt that it was aimed at gypsies and travelers. They are protected by the Equality Act and there is a duty not to incite hostility or opposition on the basis of race.”
She added that reviews said the land offered was not for Roma, Roma and travelers “feel that it really suits them.”
Traveling Ahead also provided some feedback to the council's consultation, stating that three of the proposed sites are too close to existing homes.
Mr Davies attacked Monmouthshire County Council for lack of consultation but did not object to the selection of the site. himself.
He said: “I was also told that many of the gypsies and travelers were also dissatisfied with the proposed site sites. This is not a criticism of gypsies and travelers.”
Craig Davidson, a resident of the constituency, accused the Labor council of “trying to run the railroad” through the lots against the wishes of the residents, and dismissed complaints about the leaflet.< /p>
He said, “Everyone took up arms against it. There are genuine local concerns. Complaining to the police is nonsense. Ridiculous.
«The police are already busy enough not to run around and go after politicians who have an opinion on a potential travel camp site.
«Many, many people with whom I have spoken oppose this proposal and I have not met a single person who would really support it.”
The Commission on Human Rights notified
A local newspaper reported that organizations and residents «have notified the police, the Commission for Equality and Human Rights and the Tory Party about the leaflet.
Gwent Police have confirmed that they are looking into the contents of the leaflets and are treating them as a potential hate incident, not linked to the crime.
Insp Steve Thomas said: “Officers are reviewing the content of the leaflet and its impact on the gypsies, travelers and settled communities in Monmouthshire.
“We take any allegations of discrimination very seriously and we are committed to keeping our communities safe and welcoming for all.”
Gwent Police say on their website that: “Not all hate incidents will be considered criminal offences, but it is equally important that they be reported and recorded. police.»
The Tories have previously campaigned on travel site issues and included in their 2019 manifesto a promise to «fix problems with unauthorized people.»
Police are «wasting their time»
Mr. Davis becomes the most famous politician to face charges. hate incident after Amber Rudd.
In 2017, a speech by the then Home Secretary on foreign workers was recorded by the West Midlands Police as an incident following a complaint by an academic.
>Gwent police action again fuel controversy over police reporting of non-crime hate incidents.
In June, the Home Office issued new guidance to chief constables in England and Wales directing them to take more of a “common sense approach.”
It states that non-crime incidents of hate “ should only be recorded if it is considered proportionate and necessary to reduce the real risk of harm.”
In the past five years, 120,000 incidents have been reported.
In one of the most high-profile incidents, Harry Miller, a former police officer, was interviewed by the Humberside police after he liked a limerick on social media that was deemed offensive to the transgender community.
He later won. a legal battle against force when a judge ruled that it unlawfully violated his right to freedom of expression.
In another case, an incident was recorded in which a Bedfordshire resident whistled a tune to Bob the Builder at his neighbor, who embraced racial hatred.
Officers also recorded a non-crime hate incident earlier this year when a 14-year-old student, reportedly autistic, dropped a copy of the Quran at his school. in West Yorkshire.
Sir John Hayes, former Home Secretary, said: «The police in Gwent should focus on catching criminals.» He suggested that the police were “guilty of wasting their own time.”
He added: “It is absolutely correct that an MP should consult with his constituents about this kind of development. It makes perfect sense to say that.”
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