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Days before his 16th birthday a fortnight ago, Johnny Delaney was beaten to death on a playing field in Ellesmere Port, not far from the caravan site where his family live.

His mother, Winifred, believes he was killed for "being a gypsy". Two teenagers have been charged with murder. No good comes from violence but, perhaps, the publicity that surrounds the trial will train a spotlight on the rampant racism shown towards the UK’s 300,000 travellers - a group marked by a high infant mortality rate, poor health, poverty and illiteracy. Official concern about social exclusion has yet to include them .

Johnny left school at 12 to work with his father laying roads. A non-traveller friend said: "He used to hate being called a gypsy. At the end of the day everybody is the same."

The truth, of course, is that we’re not the same. The issue is how to value difference while upholding common principles such as a child’s right to schooling.

After the failure of two private members bills’ to provide adequate sites for travellers last month, an all-party group on traveller law reform was established in the House of Commons. The lack of sites is a growing problem. Thirty per cent of travellers are forced to camp out illegally and are constantly moved on, sometimes violently, at a cost of up to £18m each year. Ann Bagehot of the Gypsy Council argues that, instead, they should be given home bases where those who are dysfunctional can receive parental, educational and social service support. Recruiting more social workers from the traveller community itself might also help.

The economics are scandalous. Only £16m is to be spent over two years on transit but not permanent sites. According to one estimate £123m is needed over 30 years just to maintain the 308 sites now in use.

For years, campaigners have pressed for a task force. The optimistic signs are that the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000 requires all public authorities to assess the way that their policies affect minorities. The Commission for Racial Equality, under its new head, Trevor Phillips, is determined that gypsies should be included in that appraisal.

Cards have been left at the spot where Johnny Delaney died. One reads: "From a person who is appalled that this could happen."

Sorrow isn’t enough. After 40 years of campaigning, it’s time for radical institutional change.