MP secures meeting over squatting problem (From Times Series)

Finchley and Golders Green MP Mike Freer secures meeting to push for law change on squatting

4:20pm Friday 1st April 2011 in News By Alex Hayes

Mike Freer MP

THE Finchley and Golders Green MP has raised the increasing problem of squatters in Hampstead Garden Suburb in Parliament.

Two weeks ago Mike Freer told the Times Series he was planning to raise the issue of squatting after reports of several expensive homes in the area being taken over.

This includes an £11 million home in Winnington Close owned by the Gaddafi family which has been occupied by a group calling itself “Topple the Tyrants”.

In Parliament on Tuesday Mr Freer asked for a meeting with Crispin Blunt, a justice minister, stating: “The minister may be aware that the Gaddafi house is a high-profile squatting incident in my constituency.

“Just this week, we have had two further squats. Will he meet me and my honourable friends the members for Hove (Mike Weatherley) and for Bury North (Mr Nuttall) to discuss this pressing issue?”

In reply Mr Blunt said: “I will be happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss squatting.

“I would hate to think that anyone would use the example of the Gaddafi house as any excuse for this pernicious offence.”

The Government recently announced plans to make squatting, currently a civil matter, a criminal offence, in a bid to stamp out the practice.