Trans Kids Deserve Better camped outside the EHRC’s London offices for four days to protest the Equality and Human Rights Commission (“EHRC”)’’s interim guidance on single-sex spaces and consultation on updated guidance following the Supreme Court’s judgment in For Women Scotland. In response to the protest action, EHRC’s landlord sought an injunction that would prevent anyone from protesting on the premises.
Simon Natas, William Kenyon and Johanna McDavitt of ITN Solicitors represented GLP in a successful application to intervene in the urgent injunction proceedings, which were heard by the High Court yesterday, 3 June 2025. Adam Wagner KC and Shanthi Sivakumaran from Doughty Street appeared for GLP.
GLP’s application to intervene was granted and GLP provided written and oral submissions on why the injunction should not be granted. Because the injunction was sought against “persons unknown”, had GLP not intervened, the court would not have had the benefit of submissions opposing the injunction.
The Honourable Mr Justice Sheldon dismissed the application for an injunction on the basis that the Claimants had failed to show that there was a strong probability that trespass would recur. Sheldon J also heard argument from GLP on the importance of protest rights protected by articles 10 and 11 of the ECHR. Detailed judgment was reserved and is expected to be handed down later this week.
Simon Natas, a partner at ITN Solicitors who has significant experience representing protestors facing criminal charges, says ““persons unknown” injunctions against protesters have become increasingly common in recent years and their impacts on freedoms of speech and assembly are far-reaching. The consequences for anyone found to be in breach can include imprisonment and significant liability for costs. This case is a reminder that the rights of protestors remain a central consideration and that applications for injunctions of this type can be successfully resisted.”
If you are looking for legal advice in relation to protest rights or persons unknown injunctions, contact our Civil Liberties and Human Rights department on 020 3909 8100 or by emailing civilenquiries@itnsolicitors.com