FORGOTTEN HISTORY: Slapps - The Untold Story

Legislation proposed to stop lawsuits used to silence journalists and whistleblowers

Private members’ bills to crack down on use of Slapps are likely to attract cross-party support

The Guardian - UK · Jun 17

Woman who raised concerns over self-swab rape kit firm threatened with legal action, MP claims

A woman was told she would face damage to her “personal reputation … career prospects … and future opportunities” if she continued posting about Enough, Conservative MP Alicia Kearns said

The Independent UK · May 18

UK will go further to stop ‘abusive’ Slapps lawsuits, Lammy says

Justice secretary says government wants to protect journalists and activists who ‘shine a light on corruption’

The Guardian - UK · Dec 8, 2025

Training offered to police dealing with journalists reporting at protests

In November 2022, an LBC radio journalist and two others were wrongfully arrested as they tried to report on a Just Stop Oil protest.

The Independent UK · Oct 30, 2023

Ministers urged not to shelve plans to outlaw oppressive lawsuits

Ministers urged not to abandon non-legislative measures to prevent so-called Slapp suits against critics and journalists

The Guardian - UK · Sep 11, 2023

UK judges to be given powers to dismiss oppressive Slapps lawsuits at early stage

Amendments to bill address concerns that strategic lawsuits against public participation stifle free speech

The Guardian - UK · Jun 12, 2023

Courts to gain powers to throw out lawsuits designed to silence critics

Legal threats known as Slapps are often used by the rich and powerful to intimidate and financially exhaust opponents.

The Independent UK · Jun 12, 2023

Solicitors in UK warned not to act as ‘hired guns’ to silence critics of super-rich

Regulator investigating 40 alleged ‘Slapp’ cases, including action by firm on behalf of Russian oligarch who runs Wagner group

The Guardian - UK · Feb 16, 2023

Tories call for action over legal threats from powerful figures facing scrutiny

Solicitors accused of using lawsuits to stifle criticism of prominent figures include those acting for Nadhim Zahawi

The Guardian - UK · Jan 29, 2023

Tory MP’s bill aims to stop the powerful using the law to stifle public debate

Private member’s bill from Bob Seely would enable courts in England and Wales to penalise wealthy figures using vexatious litigation known as Slapps

The Guardian - UK · Jan 24, 2023