Strategic Lawsuits against Public Participation 2025-12-16
2025-12-16
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
SLAPPs are lawsuits used to silence critics and have a negative impact on democracy. The Solicitors Regulation Authority has recently lost two tribunal cases relating to SLAPPs.
I welcome the Minister’s answer, but is she aware that in the space of one week the Solicitors Regulation Authority has lost two tribunal cases relating to SLAPPs? Do the Government consider the SRA fit for purpose in this area? Is further legislation not needed to prevent lawyers from pursuing abusive cases?
We are actively considering where we can further extend the definition of SLAPPs to those that range beyond economic crime. The Solicitors Regulation Authority is independent of Government, but I welcome its guidance reminding solicitors of their duties and of the consequences of breaches, and I hope that it upholds that guidance robustly.
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Assessment & feedback
Actively Considering
Welcome Guidance
Response accuracy