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An organisation like Extinction Rebellion are planning to disrupt the airport's operation (re https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-49509852)

This leads to Bob incurring financial costs as he will need to re-book flights and bear related fees.

Is there any way he could sue them for any of this?

FD_bfa
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nemethv
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1 Answers1

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Is there any way he could sue them for any of this?

That would be difficult. Bob will find it difficult to successfully sue Extinction Rebellion (or a similar protest group for that matter) for financial losses resulting from their disruption of airport operations. The key legal issue here concerns whether Extinction Rebellion’s actions give rise to a recognised cause of action in tort law.

It is unlikely that his claim would succeed for public nuisance. This would normally cover unlawful acts or omissions that materially affect the comfort and convenience of the general public (AG v PYA Quarries Ltd [1957]). However, for an individual to claim damages, they must show special damage beyond that suffered by the general public. In Bob’s case, while he incurred financial losses, so did many other affected travelers. If he cannot show that his losses were unique compared to others affected, his claim under public nuisance is unlikely to succeed (Castle v St Augustine’s Links [1922]).

Private nuisance is automatically rejected as an avenue. These claims require an interest in land.

Bob might consider a claim in negligence against Extinction Rebellion. However, since Bob’s loss is purely financial and not a result of physical damage to his property, a negligence claim would likely fail (Spartan Steel & Alloys Ltd v Martin & Co (Contractors) Ltd [1973]).

Conclusion: Bob is unlikely to succeed in any claims against the protest group in this case.

David Brown
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