Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Strategic Lawsuits against Public Participation

Tuesday 16 December 2025 · 1 question

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Sir John Whittingdale questioned the Minister about the Solicitors Regulation Authority's recent losses in tribunal cases concerning SLAPPs.
  • The Minister stated the Government is considering extending the definition of SLAPPs to cover more than just economic crime.
  • The Minister acknowledged the Solicitors Regulation Authority's guidance on SLAPPs but did not comment on the body's overall fitness for purpose.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 John Whittingdale Con Maldon
Justice & Courts Standards & Ethics
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.

Question

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?

Answer from The Minister for Courts and Legal Services (Sarah Sackman)

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.

Partly answered

How: Actively Considering, Welcome Guidance

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