Application for injunction preventing protests at EHRC offices is rejected

On Tuesday, 3 June 2025, the High Court dismissed an application for an injunction preventing persons unknown from entering, occupying or remaining at Tintagel House, where the Equality and Human Rights Commission (the “EHRC”) London office is based, for the purposes of protest or from building an encampment. Detailed reasons from the Court are to follow. 

The EHRC London office is based in Tingtagel House. Between 26 May and 30 May 2025, a number of children who were associated with Trans Kids Deserve Better, a protest group, held a peaceful encampment advocating for trans children’s rights outside the offices. At the end of the week, the protesters voluntarily left the site. 

The leaseholders of Tingtagel House, the Office Group Properties Ltd and Fora Operations Ltd, sought an injunction against persons unknown to prevent protestors from returning to the site until 31 January 2026 when EHRC’s licence in the building came to an end. Their application was premised on the claim that there would be further protests held at the site in connection with the EHRC on its proposed update to the  Statutory Code of Practice for services, public functions and Associations following the Supreme Court’s decision in For Women Scotland Ltd v The Scottish Ministers [2025] UKSC 16.

The Good Law Project acted as an intervenor, opposing the application. 

Mr Justice Sheldon, hearing the application, concluded that there was insufficient evidence that unless restrained by an injunction, there was a strong probability that there was an imminent risk that persons unknown would commit further trespasses. The Judge announced his decision at the end of hearing but reserved his full reasons, which will be published at a later date.

Adam Wagner KC and Shanthi Sivakumaran acted for the Good Law Project, instructed by Simon Natas, Johanna McDavitt and Willian Kenyon of ITN Solicitors.