UK Government to Strengthen Measures Against Abusive SLAPP Lawsuits as Part of Anti-Corruption Strategy
UK justice secretary David Lammy has pledged further action to curb abusive SLAPP lawsuits, which are used to silence whistleblowers and reporters, as part of the government’s broader anti-corruption strategy.
The government's initial focus is on implementing limited provisions within the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, specifically targeting SLAPPs related to economic crime. Beyond this, the strategy outlines consideration for a comprehensive approach to tackle all SLAPPs, although progress towards new legislation is expected to be slow, with a target date of 2029.
Lammy emphasized the aim to protect journalists and activists who expose corruption and to prevent powerful individuals and entities from using lawsuits as tools of intimidation to bury the truth. Although former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak supported a wider ban on SLAPPs, the legislation did not pass before the election. The current government intends to pursue further steps to address this issue.
Campaigners anticipate a push for new legislation before the next King’s Speech, which might be introduced as a standalone bill or incorporated within a broader legislative package. While the Labour Party signals support for such measures, there is no explicit manifesto commitment to ban SLAPPs.
The anti-corruption strategy also includes increased funding for an elite anti-corruption police unit and plans to host a global summit focused on countering illicit finance. Additionally, the government will conduct an official review of stolen or illegitimate assets present in the UK to identify vulnerabilities exploited by criminals.
However, some campaigners have criticized the plan for lacking sufficient detail on important areas such as political financing reform, closing loopholes for foreign and cryptocurrency donations, and establishing spending limits.
