Judge backs continuation of ‘final’ injunction over protests at oil terminal after first annual review

Protests organised by activists from Just Stop Oil and similar groups had taken place at Kingsbury Oil Terminal and the council first won an injunction against this in April 2022.

This prevented unlawful protest activity and gave police enhanced powers against anyone breaching the injunction.

The council said previous incidents included tunnel digging, highway blockages and tampering with critical infrastructure.

HHJ Emma Kelly, sitting as a judge of the High Court, had in September 2024 granted a final order, subject to annual reviews.

She renewed this order though criticised to way the council had served it.

HHJ Kelly queried whether the council had complied with a requirement to place a copy of the injunction and power of arrest prominently at terminal entrances.

North Warwickshire admitted it had not thus placed copies because other relevant signage was prominently displayed nearby.

The judge accepted publicising the injunction and power of arrest had been achieved, but said: “However [I] make it clear that the court expects a party with the benefit of an alternative service provision to abide by all requirements directed by the court.

“It is not appropriate for such a party to take a unilateral decision as to which steps to comply with, rather than making a formal application to vary the terms of alternative service.”

She said that although Just Stop Oil appeared to have ceased its protests the injunction should remain in force in case these or other protests resumed.

“I am satisfied that there remains a continued real and imminent risk of direct action,” the judge said.

Council leader David Wright said: ”I welcome the decision to continue the Kingsbury Oil Terminal injunction for a further 12 months. The safety and well-being of our residents remains the council’s top priority, and this extension provides continued protection against disruptive and potentially dangerous protest activity.”

Mark Smulian