READING West MP Alok Sharma has called for tougher powers to be introduced to deter illegal traveller sites.

Mr Sharma, who was recently appointed to cabinet as Secretary of State for International Development, wrote to new Home Secretary Priti Patel, asking for tougher powers to deal with illegal camps.

The power to disperse illegal encampments sits with Thames Valley Police and the local authorities, Reading Borough Council and West Berkshire Council, and Mr Sharma and his office have been liaising with both councils and police.

Although police have agreed an updated protocol with local authorities, Mr Sharma feels that local officers need a clear direction from the top of their chain of command.

During his time as Housing and Planning Minister, Mr Sharma initiated the original consultation on changes in the law.

He therefore welcomed the news earlier this year that the Government has now made progress on this issue, setting out new measures to tackle illegal encampments.

Mr Sharma said: "I welcomed the progress in February and I will continue to pursue this matter so trespass does formally become a criminal offence.

"This is the case in the Republic of Ireland and we need this change here.

"It will deter illegal encampments as the individuals concerned will understand they will face criminal law sanctions, rather than civil ones, right from the start.

"I completely share the frustration of my constituents over this issue, which will require legislative change, and I will be speaking next week to the Home Secretary about the proposed consultation and timing of potential changes to the law."

It has already been announced that the Home Office will consult on proposals to amend the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 to: lower the number of vehicles needed to be involved in an illegal camp before police can act from six to two; give the police powers to direct travellers to sites in neighbouring local authorities and increase the time from three months to a year during which travellers are not allowed to return to a site they have already been removed from.

Mr Sharma has therefore written to the new Home Secretary to seek an update and has asked for an indication as to when the consultation will be launched.