On Tuesday 1 September, the Backbench Business Committee session concluded with a motion on SLAPPs. They recognised that they pose a threat to press freedom and also that current measures to address them are not sufficient. MPs called on the government to introduce specific measures towards tackling them, citing examples of their constituents being subject to SLAPPs.
Courts and Legal Services minister, Sarah Sackman, stated that the government has begun taking steps towards tackling the issues that SLAPPs pose.
This follows on from the renewed support for Anti-SLAPP legislation with an Anti-SLAPP Private Members’ Bill due to be introduced into both Houses of Parliament. The Rt. Hon. Baroness Stowell of Beeston introduced the bill to the House of Lords and the Rt. Hon. Sir John Whittingdale introduced the bill in the House of Commons. The bill is evidence of cross-chamber support and seeks to provide stronger and more robust protections against SLAPPs.