OXFORD University has been accused of “stifling debate” after serving a group of squatters with a legal injunction.

The group had entered the Old Power Station in Arthur Street, West Oxford, on Sunday, in order to hold a series of events to highlight Oxford’s housing crisis.

But the university told them to leave by 5.25pm last night or be in contempt of court. But as of 6.30pm, a group of squatters was still inside the building.

A spokesman for the group said: “I think it is very unfortunate that the university has had this response. It is very likely that the event won’t take place in the building now and the university will have stifled the debate.”

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The university said the building was not empty but was used as a storage space for its museums.

University spokesman Matt Pickles said: “If they do not leave the building, we will pursue further legal remedies. We are in discussion with the people occupying the building.”

A member of the group said a court hearing is scheduled today at 10am, but was unable to say what this was for.


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