Cambridge University granted extreme protest injunction

Today the High Court granted Cambridge University’s proposed injunction against any protests related to Palestine and Israel until the end of July 2025.

Cambridge University was originally seeking a five-year injunction, but reduced the request to five months following interventions from European Legal Support Center (ELSC) supported by Liberty and the UN Special Rapporteur on the right to protest.

Liberty intervened in the case, having accused the university of “attempting to silence students and academics”.

The Court has today granted the injunction restricting access to three key University sites frequently used for protests until 26 July 2025.

Ruth Ehrlich, Head of Policy and Campaigns at Liberty, said:

“Today’s judgment sets a dangerous precedent which will severely restrict protest rights on campus.

“Students have long been at the forefront of movements for social change, whether in opposing apartheid or rising tuition fees. It is not right that universities are curbing students’ ability to do so, and creating a hostile space for people simply trying to make their voices heard.

“We urge universities to allow students to speak up for what they believe in on campus, and to protect the right to protest.”