Today, media organisations nationwide are uniting for a Day of Action, demanding that the UK Government include robust anti-SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation) protections in the upcoming King’s Speech.
Journalists enter the profession to report truthfully and inform the public—not to prepare for costly legal battles. They pursue stories by attending council meetings, submitting Freedom of Information requests, asking tough questions, and speaking with witnesses. They do this because informed communities thrive, and transparency is essential to local democracy.
Journalism plays a critical role in holding power accountable and amplifying community voices. Yet, those with substantial wealth and influence often weaponise the British justice system to evade scrutiny. Abusive lawsuits—known as SLAPPs—serve as a tool to intimidate and silence reporters by threatening expensive, drawn-out legal proceedings aimed at suppressing information.
READ MORE: Birmingham City Council Election 2026: Complete List of Candidates Announced
READ MORE: Jhon Solis: Transfer Clauses and Birmingham City’s Intentions for a Permanent Deal
SLAPPs are seldom legitimate challenges to journalistic accuracy. Media professionals frequently face legal threats simply for raising questions or offering subjects a chance to respond prior to publication. These lawsuits intend to stifle transparency and prevent public accountability.
Such legal bullying spares no media outlet—whether established national publications or small local newsrooms. Investigative journalist Catherine Belton has faced lawsuits from Russian oligarchs; Paul Radu, co-founder of OCCRP, was sued by an Azerbaijan MP in London despite both being based abroad; and Bellingcat founder Eliot Higgins faced legal action initiated by a sanctioned Russian warlord. Even smaller outlets like The Londoner have been targeted with lawsuits and threats.
The impact extends far beyond journalism. SLAPPs have been used to silence sexual assault survivors sharing their stories, local campaigners advocating for public services, former patients posting medical treatment reviews, environmentalists defending ecosystems, and tenants demanding timely repairs. This widespread abuse creates a chilling effect, forcing many to remain silent out of fear.
Every story, post, or report removed due to SLAPP litigation diminishes public knowledge and weakens democratic transparency. Those without the financial means to fight back face overwhelming hurdles in the British legal system, leaving vital voices unheard.
However, there is hope. The government’s upcoming legislative agenda offers a chance to rebalance power by enshrining clear, universal anti-SLAPP protections. With such laws, individuals threatened by legal bullies would gain equal access to justice, regardless of resources.
By including this Bill in the King’s Speech, Parliament can take a significant step toward safeguarding free speech and the public’s right to know.
This article is provided by the UK Anti-SLAPP Coalition, a collaborative group of freedom of expression advocates, whistleblowers, anti-corruption and transparency organisations, media lawyers, researchers, and academics.