Valero Energy Ltd & Ors v Persons Unknown & Ors [2026] EWHC 397 (KB) (23 February 2026)

Valero Energy Ltd & Ors v Persons Unknown & Ors [2026] EWHC 397 (KB) (23 February 2026)

There has been no material change in the risk or factual circumstances since the previous review; the injunction remains effective and justified as protest groups continue to pose a real threat of unlawful direct action; procedural and legal requirements have been satisfied.

Citation
[2026] EWHC 397 (KB)
Parties
Claimant: Valero Energy Limited; Claimant: Valero Logistics UK Limited; Claimant: Valero Pembrokeshire Oil Terminal Limited; Defendant: Persons Unknown (environmental protestors); Defendant: Mrs Alice Brencher and 16 others
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
23 February 2026
Procedural Posture
Civil Injunction Review / Second Annual Review of Final Injunction
Outcome
Injunction to remain in full force and effect pending further review within 12 months.
Legal Topics
Injunctions, Trespass, Nuisance, Quia Timet Relief, Protest Law, Service by Alternative Means
Civil Procedure Tort Law Environmental Law Injunctions Trespass Nuisance Quia Timet Relief Protest Law +1 more

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Parties

Valero Energy Limited

Claimant

Valero Logistics UK Limited

Claimant

Valero Pembrokeshire Oil Terminal Limited

Claimant

Persons Unknown (environmental protestors)

Defendant

Mrs Alice Brencher and 16 others

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Civil Injunction Review / Second Annual Review of Final Injunction

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the final injunction against environmental protestors should remain in force after annual review
  2. 2 Whether there has been any material change in risk justifying discharge or variation of the injunction

Ratio Decidendi

There has been no material change in the risk or factual circumstances since the previous review; the injunction remains effective and justified as protest groups continue to pose a real threat of unlawful direct action; procedural and legal requirements have been satisfied.

Court Disposition

Injunction to remain in full force and effect pending further review within 12 months.

Orders

  • Draft order approved; Ritchie J's order to remain in effect; further review by the Court in no more than 12 months' time.