Roma in the UK

While it has now been proven that the Roma people are genetically unique- a distinct ethnic group- laws in the United Kingdom are threatening our recognition as an ethnic group, by changing the wording of a law pertaining to assessing Roma needs. The definition of "gypsy or traveler" has been changed, and now no longer includes Roma who have stopped travelling permanently under the definition of Gypsy. This allows the government to artificially decrease the "number of gypsies" (by their definition) in the country, and therefore, reduce the number of sites available to them. It also forced Roma to maintain a nomadic way of life that, in today's world, can expose them to more instability and exasterbate poverty, just to keep their cultural identity. This is a choice they should not have to make.