Letter: Double standards in government action on gypsies

Sir: The Government has published its proposals to end both the requirement on local authorities to provide permanent sites for gypsies and the 100 per cent subsidies for their installation. Included also are stringent measures against illegal camping.

Colin Brown and Ian MacKinnon ('Gypsies targeted in crackdown on illegal camp sites', 19 August) conclude that behind these proposals 'lies a determined effort by ministers to end the gypsy way of life', and that 'ministers believe the policy will be popular with the voters'.

What price moral outrage over ethnic cleansing in the former Yugoslavia and Iraq now?

Yours faithfully,

PETER SOUTHWELL-SANDER

Boreham, Chelmsford

19 August