Jonathan Herbert and Billy Welch outline how the criminalisation of trespass that is part of the new Police Bill is part of a larger picture of racism against Travellers. They introduce a creative and compassionate way for Churches to challenge this by providing short-term, safe places for homeless Travellers under a visionary new initiative called ‘Sanctuary Space’.
After boxer Tyson Fury, Billy Welch is the best-known Traveller in Britain, as he organises the Appleby Horse Fair. As a Romany Gypsy, his way of life is threatened by this new legislation.
Jonathan Herbert is a Chaplain to Gypsies and Travellers, a member of Hilfield Franciscan community, a climate activist, and author of ‘Accompaniment, Community and Nature’.