UK Media Calls for Anti-SLAPP Protections

Media outlets across the United Kingdom, supported by the UK Anti-SLAPP Coalition, are calling on the United Kingdom government to include anti-SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation) protections in the forthcoming King's Speech. These abusive lawsuits are used by wealthy individuals and entities to silence journalists, campaigners, and ordinary citizens by threatening costly and time-intensive court action. Examples cited include Catherine Belton being threatened by Russian oligarchs, Paul Radu being sued by an Azerbaijan MP, and Yevgeny Prigozhin suing Eliot Higgins of Bellingcat. The coalition argues that SLAPPs remove vital information from the public domain and undermine local democracy. The inclusion of a Bill for universal, clear, and meaningful anti-SLAPP protections would be a significant step towards safeguarding freedom of expression and ensuring equal access to justice.