Travellers face arrest threat

The Conservatives said skewed planning rules and human rights laws had fuelled community tensions by allowing minorities to "concrete over the Green Belt" with impunity.

Among their proposals is an Irish-style criminal offence of intentional trespass so the police could evict travellers – and squatters – instead of landowners being forced to go through the civil courts as now.

Retrospective planning applications that have allowed people to avoid action while they are considered would also be curtailed under the proposals.

The Conservatives, who have pledged to replace the Human Rights Act with a UK Bill of Rights, said the new legislation would give "greater clarity" to the police and councils.

They also promised to axe rules that they say oblige councils to build such camps.