Media

MEP Calls on EU to Intervene in Expat Home Demolitions

8 February 2008

Baroness Nicholson MEP, who represents the South East Region of the UK, has submitted today a written question to the European Commission calling on them to investigate “whether the Spanish authorities have acted improperly and unlawfully” when threatening the demolition of British expat homes.

The member of the European Parliament has raised her constituents concerns after receiving letters from British expatriates who had written to her to ask her to raise their concerns following the threat of the destruction of their property.

Baroness Nicholson speaking after submitting her question said:

“My constituents bought these homes in good faith and in the belief, confirmed by local lawyers, estate agents, builders and even the local authorities that they were built legally.   After many years living in these properties they have been informed that their houses were illegally built and they are now under the threat of having their houses demolished.  Clearly, this is not an acceptable situation, and British expatriates should have the same rights as Spanish residents not to have their homes and property damaged or destroyed.”

She continued, “The EU Commission should investigate this matter and raise my constituents concerns with the Spanish Government.  Their must be some middle ground, where the homes of those that find themselves in this situation and the concerns of the Government can be met without having to resort to such draconian and unwarranted action”.

CONTINUED: 18th March 2008

Mr Barrot responding to Baroness Nicholson MEPs question on the 18th of March 2008 on behalf of the Commission stated that:

“Member States must ensure that the right to property enshrined in Article 1 of the First Additional Protocol to the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms has been properly applied.”

The response continued: “If a person believes that his or her rights have been violated he or she should seek redress at national level through the competent authorities, including the courts. Anyone who considers that any of her or his fundamental rights have been violated may lodge a complaint with the Council of Europe’s European Court of Human Rights after all domestic remedies have been exhausted.”

END