A coordinated push to protect whistleblowers, journalists, and victims of sexual assault from lawsuits designed to silence them has begun in both houses of Parliament.
Two private members’ bills targeting strategic lawsuits against public participation—known as Slapps—were introduced by Conservative members within 24 hours. The measures are expected to draw cross-party support.
Labour officials have signaled backing.
Sources said the Ministry of Justice is prepared to advise on drafting, despite ongoing political instability.
The bills follow years of advocacy for stronger protections against lawsuits that can financially ruin those exposing wrongdoing. Trials for such cases can cost each side up to £1 million in legal fees, with the losing party often responsible for the other side’s costs.
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Tina Stowell, a former communications chief and ex-leader of the House of Lords, published a draft bill on Tuesday. John Whittingdale, the Conservative MP for Maldon and former culture secretary, introduced his own Strategic Litigation Against Public Participation Bill the next day.
Whittingdale’s bill, set for debate in November, has support across Parliament and media groups. He called Slapps “an abuse of the legal system,” noting they’ve been used by wealthy individuals and corporations to suppress journalism and free expression. According to the filing, his proposal would strengthen defenses for defendants.
Stowell’s draft bill would allow defendants in libel and other cases to request early dismissal if the claim involves public interest. Courts could also award costs to defendants and penalize claimants who unnecessarily delay proceedings.
Susan Coughtrie, co-chair of the UK Anti-Slapps Coalition, said the proposals could create strong, accessible protections for those speaking out. Without such measures, she argued, bad-faith actors can control information flow, limiting public knowledge. Current laws often fail to address such abuses.
Powerful figures—from oligarchs to corporations—have used legal threats to silence critics. Women reporting sexual abuse have also faced lawsuits after coming forward.
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Both major parties have previously supported reforms.
In 2023, the Conservatives introduced limited protections for those exposing economic crimes, but the law didn’t cover human rights issues. Keir Starmer called the abuse of courts by the wealthy “intolerable” in October 2024, though no government bill has yet emerged.
Other countries already have anti-Slapp laws. Many US states allow judges to dismiss abusive cases early. The EU adopted a directive in 2024, though member states have been slow to implement it.
The EU law excludes criminal matters but lets citizens sue in EU courts if targeted abroad.
Greenpeace has already tested this in the Netherlands against a US oil pipeline company.
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