Listening Mode: A Guest Blog by Emma Roddick, Minister for Equalities, Migration and Refugees

We are privileged to present this guest blog by Emma Roddick, Minister for Equalities, Migration and Refugees. Minister Roddick emphasises the Scottish Government’s commitment to continuing to engage with Gypsy/Travellers to address their priorities and concerns.

Since being appointed Minister for Equalities, Migration and Refugees early this year, I’ve had a lot of policy and forthcoming legislation and strategies to get to grips with. One of the most fulfilling and enjoyable of these has been speaking with members of Gypsy/Traveller and Roma communities about their priorities for what comes next, now that our Gypsy/Traveller Action Plan has come to an end.

I came to a number of workshops and meetings around Scotland in listening mode, meeting with stakeholders, and it’s been a joy to get to know many people and their views on what more their government needs to do to improve the lives of Gypsy/Traveller and Roma communities in Scotland, improving access to public services, raising awareness of rights, and tackling the discrimination we know that too many are, sadly, still subject to.

There were lots of things to celebrate. Improvements have been made to the lives of Gypsy/Travellers across Scotland thanks to the 33 actions agreed between us and members of the community, and in gathering reflections on the successes – and challenges – of the Action Plan, we’ll be able to work with the community to decide a way forward, with a review report being prepared for the beginning of next year. Working with partners, like MECOPP, we’ll keep trying to answer the difficult questions and see real, positive change for the community.

The Scottish Government is clear that no plan will make sense or be successful unless it is developed with those it impacts. I am looking forward to continuing the conversations as our new approach takes shape, and I want to thank all of those who’ve taken the time and made the effort to engage so far. I hope that anyone reading this, whatever your views, will look into the series of events MECOPP is facilitating and be part of this exciting conversation.