Amend the law of defamation; and for connected purposes.
House of Lords
2 May 2012
The Defamation Bill [HL] is a Lords proposal to reform defamation law. It aims to update and simplify the rules on when a statement is defamatory, while safeguarding free expression and providing clearer protections for those harmed by false statements. It also covers related measures to ensure fair and efficient handling of defamation cases.
The bill is at the second reading in the Lords, the early stage of parliamentary debate. If it advances, it will move to committee stage for detailed scrutiny and then further readings as it progresses toward possible passage to the Commons.
Generated 21 February 2026
During second reading of the Bill on 9 July, a wide-ranging discussion took place on issues including freedom of the Press and Media, and Parliamentary Privilege.
The 2010-12 session of parliament has prorogued and this Bill will make no further progress.
No recorded votes for this bill yet.
