A major energy firm has secured an expanded injunction against protesters after it took a big step towards starting fracking on a substantial scale.
Cuadrilla Resources went to court to obtain the injunction against all campaigners who opposed its drilling operations at its Preston New Road site in Lancashire. The injunction was granted on Friday on a temporary basis amid growing criticism of the corporate use of injunctions to counter protests. At least five companies have chosen to use them as legal weapons in this way.
Campaigners have condemned the legal orders as chillingly anti-democratic and draconian, and protesters have raised at least £40,000 from public donations to oppose them at legal hearings. Those who break the injunctions face being jailed, being fined or having their assets seized.