GWENT police are investigating the Wales Secretary for alleged discrimination after he sent a leaflet to his constituents with the headline: “Gypsy and Traveller site coming to your area soon!” 

Detective Inspector Steve Thomas said the force was aware of a leaflet published and distributed in Monmouthshire regarding proposals for a development of a Gypsy and Traveller site.

He added: “Officers are reviewing the content of the leaflet and its impact on the Gypsy and Traveller and settled communities in Monmouthshire.

“We take any allegation of discrimination extremely seriously and we’re committed to ensuring our communities are safe places and welcoming for all.”

The Tory leaflet asks for people’s opinions on the proposal to establish sites in David TC Davies’ Monmouth constituency, featuring a picture of him and one of the potential sites.

The Welsh advocacy group Travelling Ahead said that the MP’s “actions intended to create a hostile environment for Gypsies and Travellers” and that it has reported the “targeted” leaflet to the  Equality and Human Rights Commission, the Welsh Conservatives and to the House of Commons standards committee.

A spokesman at the anti-racist charity Friends, Families and Travellers told the Morning Star: “Time and time again, we see politicians making racist scapegoating of Gypsies and Travellers the foundation of their campaigns, across the political spectrum.

“Not only is it utter gutter politics to deny entire communities the right to call somewhere home, but to publish leaflets stirring up racial hatred is downright dangerous.

“We expect the relevant authorities to take swift action, and we call on all political parties to review and strengthen their race, equality and diversity policies.”

Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden denied the leaflet was racist and said Mr Davies is “standing up for his constituents.”

Hope Not Hate director of campaigns Georgie Laming told the Morning Star: “Hatred towards the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities remains shockingly high. This leaflet takes a scaremongering tone, playing on people’s prejudices and fears, to sow discontent about Traveller sites.”