The Traveller Movement (TM) will be hosting a panel event at the Houses of Parliament from 2-4pm on Monday 27th March 2023 to bring together policymakers, stakeholders, and third-sector experts to launch our new report Available but not Accessible, commissioned by His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service.

Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller people are heavily overrepresented within the CJS. Despite only making up an estimated 0.1% of the UK population, 9% of young people within the criminal justice youth estate identify themselves as being from a Traveller background, whilst 5% of prison detainees in the adult estates identify as Gypsy, Roma, or Traveller.

The event will provide policymakers with much-needed insight into the specific barriers and issues in accessing purposeful activity in prisons faced by Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people. The discussion, which will also highlight examples of good practice, will help us indicate where policy makers and stakeholders can intervene to drive better outcomes – notably a reduction in the recidivism rate.

Our host Carolyn Harris MP for Swansea East and Co-Chair of the APPG on Penal Affairs will open the event with a keynote speech and the Traveller Movement will present the key findings and recommendations of the report. A panel comprised of experts and stakeholders across the criminal justice sector will consider the report and the wider political and policy context in detail; before opening up the room to an extended Q&A.

Please note that availability is limited so please register your place early to avoid disappointment. Specific guidance on location and entry to the Parliamentary estate will be circulated to confirmed attendees.

Parliamentary Launch: Available but not Accessible