A coalition of the country’s leading editors, writers and lawyers has pleaded with the government to legislate further to end the abuse of the law to muzzle free speech.

In an open letter to the justice secretary Alex Chalk, more than 60 editors, journalists, writers and experts called on the government to include an ‘Anti-SLAPP Bill’ in the forthcoming King’s Speech.

They said existing plans, to give judges new early dismissal powers against litigation designed to evade scrutiny and stifle freedom of speech, do not go far enough. The measure applies only to cases connected with economic crime and is included as an amendment to the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Bill.

Signatories to the letter, including the editors of The Guardian, The Telegraph, The Sun, The Times and The Sunday Times, the Financial Times, Bloomberg, Private Eye, Tortoise and The Mirror, say ministers should make this a priority for the forthcoming parliamentary session.

As this King’s Speech is the last to take place during this parliament and before the expected next general election, it is the last opportunity for this government to realise its commitment to stamp out SLAPPs (strategic lawsuits against public participation).

The letter states: ‘As an important part of the global financial system, it is vital that the UK ensures journalists and public watchdogs are able to continue their work without risking legal harassment. However, this amendment does not go far enough as it only covers claims relating to the ‘public interest in protecting society from economic crimes’.

‘It also introduces an unnecessary element of uncertainty by making the operation of the law contingent on the belief of the defendant and the perceived purpose of the filer.’

Rachel Corp, chief executive of ITN, said that journalists must be able to undertake public interest investigations without fear of harassment or financial penalty.

She added: ‘An Anti-SLAPP Bill would signal to the world that the UK proudly supports journalism that can ask difficult questions and hold power to account and ultimately improve the world we live in.’

Announcing the amendment to the existing legislation in June, Chalk said the government was ‘stamping out the brazen abuse of our legal system that has allowed wealthy individuals to silence investigators who are trying to expose their wrongdoing’.

The Law Society was among the first groups to remark on the limits of the government’s actions, pointing out that as only cases related to economic crime were covered, some claimants may still use SLAPPs to stifle scrutiny.

 

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