Source · Select Committees · Foreign Affairs Committee
Recommendation 8
8
Accepted
Paragraph: 21
We welcome the consultation on SLAPPs, to which we have submitted a memorandum.
Conclusion
We welcome the consultation on SLAPPs, to which we have submitted a memorandum. We will return in our further report to ways in which the FCDO can work in concert with other departments to curb professional enablers who wittingly or otherwise help kleptocrats to establish a financial foothold in the UK and to stifle investigation of their affairs.
Government Response Summary
The government welcomes the committee’s support and outlines plans for a legislative definition for SLAPPs and early dismissal process, supported by a formal costs protection scheme.
Paragraph Reference:
21
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
We welcome the committee’s support for the Government’s Call for Evidence on SLAPPs. The Government published its response on 20 July outlining plans for a legislative definition for SLAPPs and early dismissal process, supported by a formal costs protection scheme to shield defendants and neutralise the chilling-effect of high costs. The aim of early dismissal would be to subject SLAPPs to a three-part test, namely is the case in the public interest, does the case meet the definition of a SLAPP, and that the case is without merit (i.e., has an insufficient prospect of success). The Government’s determination to stop SLAPPs demonstrates its commitment to upholding the fundamental democratic values of free speech and a free press, ending the abuse of the UK legal system, and defending investigations in the public interest.