UK strengthens Slapps reform to protect journalism

Published: 09 December 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

David Lammy has renewed the government’s commitment to stopping abusive legal actions that threaten journalists and whistleblowers, signalling a significant shift in the UK’s approach to curbing strategic lawsuits against public participation. His remarks came during the launch of the government’s expanded anti-corruption strategy, which outlines an ambition to strengthen protections for those who expose wrongdoing while ensuring powerful individuals cannot weaponise the legal system to suppress vital information. His pledge arrives at a moment when concerns about the misuse of litigation have intensified across political and media circles, particularly following several high-profile cases involving wealthy foreign nationals and major corporate scandals that exposed gaps in current legislation.

Lammy told attendees at the London summit that the government intended to press ahead with its plans to reinforce existing safeguards, emphasising that the country could not allow deep-pocketed individuals to intimidate reporters through costly and time consuming legal threats. Several campaigners at the event welcomed the renewed commitment, noting that the growing recognition of these issues across government represents an important step toward establishing a fairer legal environment. Yet they stressed that progress felt overdue, especially as previous attempts to introduce comprehensive reforms failed to survive the parliamentary timetable before the last election.

The government has already committed to enforcing the provisions set out in the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, which introduced the first targeted measures to address Slapps linked to economic offences. These existing powers are regarded as a starting point rather than a complete solution, particularly because abusive lawsuits have been used in cases far wider than economic crime. Several journalists targeted in recent years were reporting on the activities of Russian oligarchs, financial claims around the Post Office Horizon scandal and allegations connected to Mohamed Al Fayed. Many of these cases highlighted the vulnerability of smaller news outlets that cannot sustain prolonged legal battles.

Lammy acknowledged that the measures now in place do not tackle the full scope of the problem, which is why the government intends to explore broader options that would deal with all forms of Slapps. The anti-corruption strategy assigns 2029 as the target for resolving the long-term legislative approach, a date that campaigners fear may leave journalists exposed for too long. Given the pace at which legal threats evolve and the growing sophistication of international actors seeking to manipulate the UK legal system, many believe a stronger and faster response is required. Lammy argued that further work was essential to design legislation that delivers solid protections without compromising genuine legal rights.

Rishi Sunak previously supported former MP Wayne David’s proposal for a wide ranging ban on Slapps, yet that bill fell when parliament dissolved. The current administration has shown signs of reviving the idea, although these intentions have not been accompanied by firm legislative plans. Lammy’s recent comments represent the clearest indication in months that the government still intends to act, especially as he has been a long standing advocate for more robust laws targeting abusive legal tactics. His argument that “sunlight is always the best disinfectant” reflects growing public concern that unchecked legal harassment erodes democratic accountability.

Campaigners expect justice ministers to push for new proposals before the next king’s speech and hope they will consider either a standalone bill or provisions within a larger reform package. Many argue that narrow reforms would be insufficient because Slapps rely on broad strategies that exploit multiple aspects of the legal system. Effective legislation would need to address the balance of resources between wealthy claimants and journalists, ensure courts can rapidly identify meritless cases and create consistent standards to discourage intimidation. Without these elements, they fear the UK may remain a favourable environment for those seeking to suppress unwelcome scrutiny.

There is also debate within cabinet circles about the best path forward. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has publicly expressed support for tackling Slapps, yet several observers suggest he favours allowing courts more discretion to decide which cases lack merit. His legal background contributes to his cautious approach, and the absence of an explicit ban in the Labour manifesto has prompted some to question how far he is prepared to go. Critics argue that leaving the issue to judicial discretion fails to address the imbalance of power that makes threats effective long before a case reaches court.

The all party parliamentary group on anti-corruption and responsible tax welcomed elements of the government’s new strategy but said its commitments lacked sufficient urgency. They noted that the prime minister himself has described the current situation as intolerable, which makes the distant target for comprehensive legislative action difficult to justify. Their statement underscored the need for a clearer timetable, pointing out that prolonged uncertainty allows those with significant resources to continue exploiting legal loopholes.

As part of the strategy presented at Mansion House, justice secretary Alex Chalk outlined several broader plans to strengthen the UK’s stance against corruption. These include additional funding for an elite police unit tasked with investigating complex financial crimes and hosting a major summit designed to coordinate international efforts against illicit finance. The strategy also introduces a review examining stolen or illegitimate assets held within the UK, with the aim of identifying weaknesses that criminals can exploit. Officials hope that this work will enhance cooperation across law enforcement agencies and improve the country’s ability to track sophisticated financial networks.

Despite these commitments, several civil society groups expressed disappointment over the lack of concrete plans to address political financing. They highlighted concerns about foreign donations, cryptocurrency contributions and spending limits, arguing that these areas remain among the most significant vulnerabilities in the UK’s democratic processes. Many activists had hoped the anti-corruption strategy would include stricter rules on the transparency of political funds and a more assertive stance on closing gaps that allow outside influence to enter UK politics.

Their frustration reflects a broader sentiment that meaningful reform requires action on every front, not only on legal threats against journalists but also on the structural weaknesses that allow corruption to flourish. Supporters of stronger Slapps laws argue that the protection of investigative reporting is central to uncovering abuses, which in turn supports the wider goals of the anti-corruption strategy. Without secure conditions for journalists and whistleblowers, misconduct remains hidden, reducing the effectiveness of any regulatory or enforcement measures.

Lammy’s speech appears designed to reassure those concerned that the government understands the gravity of the challenge. His emphasis on protecting individuals who “shine a light on corruption” underscores the cultural shift he hopes to encourage, where transparency is prioritised and accountability becomes embedded in public life. However, the months ahead will determine whether this renewed determination translates into firm legislative proposals or whether delays will continue to hinder progress.

For now, the announcement marks a renewed promise from a government seeking to demonstrate its seriousness about fighting corruption and defending the public’s right to know. As the push for meaningful legislation gains momentum, campaigners and journalists will continue pressing ministers to deliver reforms that provide real protection. Whether the eventual package arrives sooner than the 2029 target remains to be seen, but the pressure for swifter action is unlikely to diminish.