text_body: --- DIVISION TITLE ---
  
  Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill - New Clause 26 - Offence of Squatting in a Residential building
  
  --- MOTION EFFECT ---
  
  @ MP voted aye to introduce a new offence of of squatting in a residential building.
  @ MP voted no against introducing a new offence of of squatting in a residential building.
  
  The majority of MPs voted to introduce a new offence of of squatting in a residential building.
  
  The motion approved by the majority of MPs in this vote was:
  
  :That the clause be read a Second time.
  
  The clause in question was New Clause  26[2] titled ''Offence of squatting in a residential building'' which introduces and defines that offence. 
  
  The clause starts:
  
  :â(1) A person commits an offence ifâ
  
  :(a) the person is in a residential building as a trespasser having entered it as a trespasser,
  
  :(b) the person knows or ought to know that he or she is a trespasser, and
  
  :(c) the person is living in the building or intends to live there for any period.
  
  :(2) The offence is not committed by a person holding over after the end of a lease or licence (even if the person leaves and re-enters the building).
  
  
  The clause goes on to further define the offence.
  
  * [1] [http://services.parliament.uk/bills/2010-11/legalaidsentencingandpunishmentofoffenders.html Parliament's webpage on the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill (now an Act)]
  * [2] [http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/bills/cbill/2010-2012/0235/amend/pbc2352510a.3614-3617.html Amendment sheet page including proposed New Clause 26]
  --- COMMENTS AND NOTES ---
  
  (put thoughts and notes for other researchers here)
  