The Bank of Ideas was at the High Court today to hear Mr Justice Roth’s verdict on the two separate cases launched by UBS against against arts and community space, the Bank of Ideas.
Mr Justice Roth did not set aside the injunction or the possession order but accepted that the claims made by the Bank of Ideas team about that the way the possession order was obtained: that it was unlawful and represented a total breakdown in fair procedure. The Bank of Ideas have been given 24 hours in which to apply to the Court of Appeal.
Today’s judgement gives not only gives the Bank of Ideas team some breathing space, it also provides a precedent for how such orders should be given in the future.
The hearing Representatives of the Bank of Ideas attended a hearing at the Royal Courts of Justice on Monday 5 December, to challenge the injunction against “protest activities” being held at the Bank of Ideas and the possession order issued by UBS.
The hearing went on for over three hours, with the judge deciding to defer his decision for two days. UBS did not seem to be happy about the decision being deferred. When the Judge’s agreement to move his decision from Thursday to Wednesday was challenged, it emerged in court that UBS had already booked a police slot for Tuesday.
The Bank of Ideas were representing themselves, supported by Stephen Knafler QC and the housing barrister David Ranton from Garden Court Chambers, with Owen Green Hall assisting them. Assistance was also provided by Anna More from Bindmans as support to solicitor Paul Ridge.