Trespass

Mr Slaughter highlighted the unnecessary criminalisation of trespass in the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill. He mentioned that if the petition had not been closed, it would have garnered many more signatures than the 135,000 already received. Mr Slaughter expressed concern over the risk of abuse by minority landowners who may wish to make the countryside a hostile place for those seeking recreation or residence. The Bill could also target Gypsy and Traveller communities, which are among the most marginalised groups in the country with poor health outcomes, education, and life expectancy rates. He noted that the lack of authorised sites for these communities exacerbates issues related to unauthorised encampments. Asked the Minister to explain why organisations like the Ramblers Association are not persuaded by the Government's view on trespass, addressed police concerns about provisions being sensible, and inquired about potential legal challenges based on equalities and human rights law cases such as Chapman v. UK and Bromley v. Persons Unknown.

Barbara Keeley expressed concern that criminalising trespass could deter people from accessing green spaces for recreation, particularly during the pandemic when visits to parks have doubled in the past decade. She highlighted that the proposed Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill includes provisions allowing individuals suspected of intending to reside on land without consent to be stopped by police, which could disproportionately affect disadvantaged communities already facing barriers to accessing countryside.

She highlighted the concerns of her constituents over the ability to enjoy outdoor spaces, emphasizing the importance of maintaining paths and signage for walkers. She also expressed worries about the potential impact on wildlife surveys and warned against discrimination towards the Gypsy and Traveller community.

Mr Simmonds supported tougher measures to protect land and property from trespass. He highlighted the work of Councillor John Warmisham in improving human rights law for Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people but argued that proposed strengthened measures would not restrict legitimate access. In his constituency, illegal encampments caused significant blight and disruption, including public defecation and extensive vandalism, leaving a massive clean-up bill of over £300,000.

Paying tribute to over 134,000 petition signatories who oppose criminalising trespass, Margaret Greenwood highlighted the importance of preserving access to the countryside through protest and tradition. She cited historical examples like Beatrix Potter's conservation efforts and the mass trespass on Kinder Scout in 1932 which led to significant legal reforms for walkers' rights. Concerns were raised about the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill threatening these freedoms and impacting Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities who face difficulties finding authorised stopping places.

Clarified the law in Scotland regarding trespass, stating it is a civil wrong but not a criminal act. Emphasised the Scottish Government's commitment to improving lives of Gypsies and Travellers through a national plan signed by all parties and an investment package up to £20 million. Called for reflection on right-to-roam legislation and working with communities in England, Wales, and Scotland.

Ms Foy expressed her concern over the Government's proposed measures in the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill that target Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities. She criticized the criminalisation of trespass as an attack on nomadic lifestyles and pointed out that 90% of police bodies had advised against these provisions.

Ms Blake highlighted the historical significance of the right to roam in her constituency, referencing Ethel Haythornthwaite and the Kinder Scout mass trespass. She argued against criminalising trespass and called for increased funding for legal sites for Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities instead.

Ms Jones thanked petition signatories and contributors, noting that over 140,000 people signed a petition against the Government's proposals. She highlighted concerns about criminalising trespass for unauthorised encampments, citing survey results where over 84% of respondents expressed major or moderate effects on their lives. The legislation is seen as targeting Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities, with potential breaches of Human Rights Act 1998 and Equality Act 2010.