Repeal the vagrancy act of 1824 & introduce “leave no trace laws”
The Vagrancy Act criminalises the homeless and wild campers which adds to their hardship. I think recognising the humanity of the homeless is crucial. I think “leave no trace laws” should be introduced which require homeless people to leave no trace of their rough sleeping or wild camping.
Signatures
139
signatures
Government response threshold (10,000) · 139/10,000
Debate threshold (100,000) · 139/100,000
- 24 JUN 2025Petition closedFinal total: 139 signatures
- 24 DEC 2024Petition opened for signatures
Background
I think this outdated law criminalises people facing challenges. In the past five years, nearly 2,500 homeless individuals in England & Wales have been arrested under this Act for simply having no place to go. I think implementing "leave no trace" laws could protect the environment while allowing wild camping and rough sleeping without persecution. I think Scotland’s “free roam” laws are a good example of how it can be done.