HS2 wins trackbed ban

HS2 Ltd has been granted an injunction along the length of the high-speed line from London to Crewe to help tackle unlawful protests. The order makes going onto HS2 land without permission, or disrupting work, a potential contempt of court.

The ban will apply to protestors and “persons unknown”. HS2 welcomed the judgement and said it was “not intended to stop legitimate protest”. But opponents have argued that the judgement will stifle peaceful opposition and possibly hamper ecologists who need access to monitor the build.