The Government has announced a new law that will criminalise trespass. The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill proposes making intentional trespass with intent to reside a criminal offence whether it is on private or public land or on the highway and regardless of how long the land is occupied. Gypsy and Traveller organisations have condemned the proposals as racist. It is not yet clear whether the criminalisation of trespass could have the effect of criminalising mooring on riverside land.
For the Government’s plans see
https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/strengthening-police-powers-to-tackle-unauthorised-encampments/outcome/government-response-to-the-consultation-strengthening-police-powers-to-tackle-unauthorised-encampments-accessible-version
For more information and for news on how to oppose the Bill, see these articles from Friends, Families and Travellers and Travellers Times: