Anti-Squatting MP hosts DJ Fatboy Slim at Commons

[mark at tlio.org.uk]

The same MP who has tabled an Early Day Motion (EDM) that highlights 
the need for owners of commercial property to have the same rights as 
owners of residential premises when it comes to removing squatters has 
invited musician and DJ Fatboy Slim to play an unprecendented set at 
The House of Commons on the 6th March!!!
http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2013/feb/12/fatboy-slim-house-commons-dj

Mike Weatherly was instrumental in bringing in a law last year to make 
squatting in residential premises. He now wants to see that extended 
to commercial buildings and is calling on MPs to back his early day 
motion.

His EDM 912 (Commercial Squatting) draws attention to the distinction 
between the homeless and squatters, who actively choose to occupy 
other people's property. As well as highlighting the need to encourage 
owners of empty building back into use, the EDM stresses that owners 
of commercial property deserve the same level of protection as owners 
of residential property.
Ref: http://www.parliament.uk/edm/2012-13/912

Squash's response:
Source: http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/44597
We call for Section 144 of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of 
Offenders Bill which criminalises squatting in residential properties 
to be repealed. The law is not working:

- Homeless people are being penalised. Many are finding themselves on 
the streets who would otherwise have found shelter in abandoned 
residential properties
- Some have ultimately gone to jail for using empty buildings to put a 
roof over their head
- Contrary to government propaganda, the law is doing nothing more to 
protect people in their homes, who were already protected by the 
existing Criminal Law Act 1977
- It is encouraging property speculators and unscrupulous landlords to 
keep buildings empty
- It is increasing the burden on taxpayers as squatters move into the 
housing benefit system on top of the prosecution costs
- Despite an overwhelming 96% rejection in the governments 
consultation, the law was rushed through parliament without sufficient 
scrutiny and therefore lacks any legitimacy

Sign the petition at: http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/44597