A judicial review challenge brought by Bates Wells clients Lawyers for Animals and Sole Iriart (a campaigner with Camp Beagle) has been granted permission to proceed to a full hearing.
The claim argues that the Home Secretary’s designation of the life science sector – including animal testing facilities – as “key national infrastructure” under the Public Order Act 2023 was unlawful. The claimants say that the life sciences sector is so different from the “key national infrastructure” originally protected by the 2023 Act (transport and energy facilities etc) that the Home Secretary’s powers do not, in fact, allow her to add it to the list; they also argue that her decision was irrational.
Granting the claim permission to proceed, the High Court held that it was “arguable and, in any event, a matter of public interest.”
Helen Fry acts for the claimants, instructing Ted Loveday of Maitland Chambers.