The Conservatives have pledged to launch a crackdown on illegal traveller sites, using new freedoms gained from leaving the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and the Human Rights Act to end what they call the "two-tier treatment" of travellers.
Under the proposals, police would have the power to ban travellers from returning to encampments indefinitely. The plans also include making it an offence to trespass with a vehicle after being told to leave, scrapping the ban on removing trespassing travellers if no alternative site is available, and a clampdown on retrospective planning applications.
Shadow ministers back the plan
Shadow Communities Secretary Sir James Cleverly said: "Communities across our country are forced to put up with lawbreaking by a small minority of travellers. In some areas, illegal sites and unauthorised development of legal sites is having a major negative impact on the local population, and residents feel abandoned.
"Police and local councils need our backing to intervene and take robust action without fearing they will be tripped up by activist lawfare. With new freedoms gained by leaving the ECHR, we will end the soft-touch approach favoured by Labour and ensure everyone is treated equally under the law.
"The Conservatives are the only party with a clear and coherent plan to back local communities, end the two-tier treatment of travellers and crack down on criminality."
New data shows rise in unauthorised caravans
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp added: "Those who break the rules must be punished. That is a basic principle that must apply equally to all communities. Yet a small minority of travellers are getting away with things we would never tolerate among the wider population. It's time for tough action to get this problem under control.
"Our plan will give the authorities the backing they need to crack down on traveller lawbreaking, putting local residents first and ensuring equality before the law. We are the only Party with the leadership and the viable plan to do that."
The announcement comes as new House of Commons research shows that the number of caravans on unauthorised sites rose by 1,080 across England in the two years to January 2026.
Labour responds
A Labour spokesperson said: "The Tories left our planning system in a mess. Not only has this Labour government put in place incredibly strong safeguards for developments in the green belt, we are also ensuring that there is clearer and more consistent approach to planning, helping to deliver the housing our country desperately needs.
"Leaving the ECHR would destroy the partnerships we rely on to remove those who arrive here illegally, making it harder to deport illegal migrants. It's utter nonsense from the Conservatives."
