A report by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) into the implications of Brexit for Roma communities found that the group faced “a triple whammy of challenges” following June’s referendum on Britain’s membership of the EU.
Uncertainty over the group’s right to remain in the UK, the fact that they have historically been victims of discrimination and prejudice across Europe and concerns that a large pot of EU funding designed to support them may be stopped were all cited as factors leaving Roma particularly vulnerable.
Estimates of the number of Roma in Britain range from 80,000 to 300,000 and some areas – including Govanhill in Glasgow, Page Hall in Sheffield, Normanton in Derby, and Loxford in the London borough of Redbridge – have seen an influx of Roma migrants since the EU’s enlargement in 2004 and 2007. [...]
The thinktank estimates that a total of £1.1bn in European structural funds for the 2014–2020 period is available to be used to promote Roma integration, and called on the government to make up any shortfall that occurs after Brexit.
“A large amount of targeted support for Roma communities is dependent on EU funding. Without this support, Roma communities will face greater barriers in accessing employment, education, and healthcare, and local services will be placed under further strain,” said Morris.
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