Welsh secretary has ‘history of hostility’ towards Traveller communities

Leaflet is latest example of Tory MP's hostile comments about Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities over 25 years

Last week, the Welsh secretary, David TC Davies, insisted he meant no criticism with a leaflet that warned voters: Gypsy and Traveller site coming to your area soon!" before asking them: Would you like to see a Traveller site next to your house?"

Despite being accused of creating a hostile environment", Davies was defended by the deputy prime minister, Oliver Dowden, who said his colleague was merely highlighting the failings of the local Labour council.

This article was amended on 10 August 2023. An earlier version said that in 1999, David TC Davies was a district councillor in Monmouth and quoted him as telling a meeting that Travellers who had set up camp on football fields near Jersey Marine had made it absolutely stinking there". This was a different David Davies and not David TC Davies.