Local churches have been backing five Irish traveller families living on an unofficial site in Wickford, Essex, who now face eviction because the land they bought is within a green zone area. They have lodged an appeal.

Speaking at a pastoral congress in Germany, Cardinal Martino deplored the prejudice and hatred being meted out to Romany and travelling people (often called "gypsies") in many parts of Europe, and called on churches to support them.