Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
World
Rowena Mason Whitehall editor

Ministers to back crackdown on Slapp lawsuits aimed at intimidating critics

The Royal Courts of Justice in London
The Royal Courts of Justice. The bill would allow judges to dismiss spurious claims before trial and protect defendants from exorbitant costs. Photograph: Aaron Chown/PA

Ministers are to support a crackdown on spurious lawsuits aimed at intimidating journalists, academics and campaigners, known as strategic litigation against public participation, or Slapps.

Alex Chalk, the justice secretary, said on Friday that the government would support a private member’s bill brought by the Labour backbencher Wayne David aimed at reducing the use of Slapps in the British courts.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.