The Chancellor, Masters and Scholars of the University of Cambridge v Persons Unknown

The Chancellor, Masters and Scholars of the University of Cambridge v Persons Unknown

The University is entitled to a final injunction against persons unknown for a year over three specified sites, as there is a real and imminent risk of trespass and nuisance, no realistic private law or human rights defence, and the injunction is necessary, proportionate, clear, and leaves ample opportunity for protest elsewhere. The procedural and substantive requirements for injunctions against persons unknown are satisfied.

Parties
Claimant: The Chancellor, Masters and Scholars of the University of Cambridge; Defendant: Persons Unknown; Intervener: European Legal Support Centre; Intervener: Liberty
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
09 December 2025
Procedural Posture
Civil / Final Summary Judgment Application
Outcome
summary judgment granted for final injunction
Legal Topics
Injunctions Against Persons Unknown, Freedom of Expression, Freedom of Assembly, Trespass, Private Nuisance, ECHR Articles 10, 11, 14, Protest Law, University Property Rights
Civil Procedure Human Rights Property Law Injunctions Against Persons Unknown Freedom of Expression Freedom of Assembly Trespass Private Nuisance +3 more

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Parties

The Chancellor, Masters and Scholars of the University of Cambridge

Claimant

Persons Unknown

Defendant

European Legal Support Centre

Intervener

Liberty

Intervener

Procedural Posture

Civil / Final Summary Judgment Application

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the University is entitled to a final injunction against persons unknown to restrain trespass and nuisance on its property
  2. 2 Whether the injunction infringes ECHR Articles 10, 11, or 14 rights of protesters
  3. 3 Whether the University has sufficient possessory rights over Chestnut Tree Lawn

Ratio Decidendi

The University is entitled to a final injunction against persons unknown for a year over three specified sites, as there is a real and imminent risk of trespass and nuisance, no realistic private law or human rights defence, and the injunction is necessary, proportionate, clear, and leaves ample opportunity for protest elsewhere. The procedural and substantive requirements for injunctions against persons unknown are satisfied.

Court Disposition

summary judgment granted for final injunction

Orders

  • Final injunction granted restraining trespass and nuisance by persons unknown on Senate House, Senate House Yard, Old Schools, Greenwich House, and Chestnut Tree Lawn until 25 July 2026
  • Permission to re-amend claim form and particulars to add Chestnut Tree Lawn