Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation 2023-05-16
2023-05-16
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
SLAPPs involve using the legal process to shut down legitimate investigations and criticisms. The questioner is concerned about steps being taken to address this issue.
What steps he is taking to bring forward legislative proposals to tackle strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs).
We will introduce a new statutory definition, an early dismissal process to strike out SLAPP litigation and protections against excessive legal costs. We are looking closely at a number of legislative avenues to pursue that.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
Russian oligarchs have used Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation to frustrate journalists from exposing their actions. Catherine Belton and her publisher faced a £1.5 million bill after libel actions were brought against them.
Will the Minister agree to do as much as possible to prevent this exploitation of UK courts?
The Government are committed to preventing exploitation of UK courts by legislating against SLAPPs at the earliest opportunity, and we are considering that in legislation already before Parliament.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The questioner is the chair of an all-party parliamentary group on media freedom globally and a former journalist. He is concerned about the scope of proposed anti-SLAPP legislation.
Could he give the House more detail on the potential scope of the legislation, and reiterate what a difference it will make for press freedom?
We have to take care with this legislation. There is a balance between speed and ensuring it is sufficiently comprehensive to achieve the policy aim. We are proceeding carefully but quickly, with all due diligence and expedition, to ensure it achieves its aims.
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Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked for more detail on the scope of the legislation but received a vague commitment about ensuring careful progress without specifics.
We Are Proceeding Carefully But Quickly
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
A visit to Wandsworth prison showed that 75% of prisoners were still waiting for a basic sentence. The questioner is concerned about this situation.
How can he introduce fresh challenges when there are such severe backlogs? Will he reconsider the day job and bread-and-butter work of getting through the backlog?
Capacity is critically important. In 90% of cases in magistrates courts there are not difficulties, but we are expanding capacity with more judges and Nightingale courts. List officers ensure sensitive cases proceed as quickly as possible, and the Crown court backlog is coming down.
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Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked about the backlog issues but received a general acknowledgment of importance without specific action plans or timelines.
Capacity Is Critically Important
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The Government have been making noises about legislating against SLAPPs for a long time, but the questioner wants to know when this will actually happen.
Can he tell us when he is likely to legislate on SLAPPs?
We will do so at the earliest opportunity. As I said before, we are even considering this in legislation before the House at the moment. We have to move quickly and with care to avoid unintended consequences.
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Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked for a timeline but received a vague commitment about moving at an early opportunity without specific dates.
At The Earliest Opportunity
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
The House has debated SLAPPs multiple times over the last year. The questioner wants to ensure that the review covers additional practices such as illegal hacking and poorly regulated private investigations.
Can he make sure his review covers these other bad practices?
As always, my right hon. Friend has his finger on the pulse of this important issue. He makes a powerful point, and I can assure him that it is being borne in mind.
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Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked for specific commitments but received praise and vague assurance without concrete details or timeline.
As Always, My Right Hon. Friend Has His Finger On The Pulse Of This Important Issue
Response accuracy