Britain: Expulsion from the Dale Farm | European Journal
- 13 years ago
For ten years, Irish "travelers" have camped on the edge of the southern English community of Basildon. Now they are to be expelled. The travelers say this is "ethnic cleansing".
For years they have fought expulsion in the courts. They have rejected the community's offer to put them in public housing, which they say doesn't fit their traditional way of life. The historical origin of the Irish travelers is unclear. But prejudice against them is widespread. But the travelers on the Dale Farm have many supporters. For the British, private property is sacred. But so is solidarity with an oppressed minority.
For years they have fought expulsion in the courts. They have rejected the community's offer to put them in public housing, which they say doesn't fit their traditional way of life. The historical origin of the Irish travelers is unclear. But prejudice against them is widespread. But the travelers on the Dale Farm have many supporters. For the British, private property is sacred. But so is solidarity with an oppressed minority.