Strategic Litigation Against Public Participation (Freedom of Expression) Bill [HL]

Key Points

• Targets strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) to prevent them from silencing public debate.
• Creates protections or a defence for people expressing views or participating in public discussions on matters of public interest.
• Introduces rules intended to discourage or dismiss abusive or frivolous lawsuits aimed at restricting expression.
• Encourages robust public discussion by reducing the threat of costly litigation against critics, journalists, or campaigners.
• Applies to individuals and organisations involved in expressing or facilitating public-interest debate.

Progress

The bill has been introduced in the Lords and is at the 1st reading stage; it has not yet progressed to committee or further stages.