Motion 78
SLAPPs
“That this Congress notes the wilful and self-serving recourse by wealthy individuals and organisations who misuse a variety of legal and other mechanisms to harass, intimidate and silence journalists, campaigners, and those who want to expose misconduct.
“These legal and other actions, known as SLAPPs (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation) curtail free speech and fair comment, and have a chilling effect on a free press and have no place in an open and transparent democracy.
“Congress welcomes the Anti-SLAPP provisions incorporated in the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, as well as the important and useful work to make SLAPPS less prevalent by the Solicitors Regulatory Authority. It further notes the recent indication by the UK Prime Minister that his Government might take action to tackle this issue. Congress notes that many members of the Labour Cabinet previously backed a private member’s bill against SLAPPS which fell when the July 4 General Election was called.
“Congress notes the words of the British Ambassador to the UN Human Rights Council in June 2024: ‘We are committed to the safety of all journalists, reflecting their contribution to an open, functioning democracy. We oppose all attempts to restrict press freedom, silence debate, abuse journalists, or spread misinformation - whether online or offline.’
“Congress therefore instructs the General Council to give its full support to the continuing campaign, by the NUJ and others, to press both the UK and Scottish Governments to immediately end their procrastination and introduce legislation to stop, at an early-stage, oligarchs and others misusing the courts to block scrutiny of matters of public interest.
“Congress further instructs the General Council to help forge a cross-party coalition to lobby the Scottish Parliament to accelerate pre-legislative consultation on the anti-SLAPPs bill promoted by the former MP, Professor Roger Mullin.”
Mover: National Union of Journalists
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