September 30, 2025
Monsato plc v Tilly [1999] EWCA Civ 3044
Monsanto plc sought an injunction to stop protesters from damaging their genetically modified crops. The protesters claimed the defence of necessity, arguing they acted to prevent environmental harm. The court rejected this defence and upheld the injunction, finding lawful protest alternatives existed. Facts The claimant, Monsanto plc, was a company involved in the research and development of genetically modified (GM) crops. They were conducting trial plantings of GM oil seed rape and maize at various farm sites in the UK under licence from the government. The defendants were environmental protesters who were opposed to the development and use of GM
