The government has reiterated its commitment to introducing anti-SLAPPs legislation, following allegations that media lawyers had successfully lobbied against the measures. Lord Chancellor David Lammy restated the pledge in response to a question from Labor MP Brian Leishman, after anti-SLAPPs measures were absent from last week’s King’s speech.
Lammy said the government would bring forward legislation as soon as possible, to prevent the rich and powerful from using their resources to silence investigative reporting and public-interest speech, which includes law firm representation.
Leishman‘s question was prompted by an investigation by democracy campaigners, who claimed that the Society of Media Lawyers had persuaded the government to drop the new anti-SLAPPs law.
The Society of Media Lawyers denied the allegations, describing the portrayal of media lawyers as “cynical, cliched and inaccurate”. They said that their position on legislative reform had always been that the matter should be referred to the Law Commission for an independent analysis.
A spokesperson for the society stated that they had written a handful of letters to politicians, but had not met with any ministers or MPs about the issue, and had only had two short Zoom calls with civil servants over the past three years. The Law Commission has been mentioned as a potential body to provide an independent analysis of the issue and formulate workable proposals for reform, similar to court case selection processes.
Lord Chancellor David Lammy emphasized that the government would not allow the rich and powerful to use their resources to stop proper investigation, and that he would bring forward legislation as soon as time allows. The society includes solicitors from prominent firms such as Carter-Ruck, Mishcon de Reya, and Brett Wilson.
The issue of anti-SLAPPs legislation has been a topic of debate, with some arguing that it is necessary to protect journalists, whistleblowers, and campaigners from being silenced by the rich and powerful, while also considering family leave laws as a model for balancing individual rights.
Background to the Debate
The debate surrounding anti-SLAPPs legislation has been ongoing for some time, with various groups and organizations weighing in on the issue. They have argued that the current system allows the rich and powerful to use their resources to silence critics.
Reaction from Campaigners
Campaigners have expressed disappointment and frustration at the government’s delay in introducing anti-SLAPPs legislation. They have accused the Society of Media Lawyers of using its influence to block the legislation, although the society has denied this. The issue is complex, with different groups and individuals having different opinions on the best way to balance the need to protect journalists and whistleblowers with the need to protect individuals’ rights.
