Local MP Calls for Crackdown on Abusive Legal Tactics Silencing Free Speech

Tom Gordon, Liberal Democrat MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough has raised concerns about the growing use of Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPS) to silence critics and suppress free speech.

Speaking during a recent meeting of the Justice for Human Rights Committee, Tom called on the Government to take stronger action to prevent the abuse of SLAPPS – especially when used as a tool of transnational repression. 

SLAPPs are often used by powerful individuals and organisations to intimidate and silence those who challenge them—particularly journalists, academics, community campaigners, and others speaking out in the public interest. The threat of legal action can lead to self-censorship, with the financial and emotional burden of legal defence forcing many into silence. 

Tom and his colleagues sitting on the Justice for Human Rights Committee have recently heard mounting evidence about how SLAPPs are being used to harass, intimidate, and financially exhaust critics. Some of the most prominent cases have involved Russian oligarchs and allies of Vladimir Putin, who have used defamation and privacy claims to block the publication of information clearly in the public interest. 

During the meeting today, Tom called on the Government to clarify what steps it is taking to ensure that SLAPPs are not being used by foreign actors to silence dissent across borders, a tactic increasingly recognised as a form of transnational repression.

While the Government has introduced measures under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 to combat SLAPPs linked to economic crime—such as corruption and embezzlement—Tom urged ministers to go further.

In response, the Minister acknowledge that current anti-SLAPP provisions are limited to economic crime and confirmed that the Government is looking into expanding the framework. However, the Minster did note that any further action would require cross-departmental coordination.

Tom welcomed the Minister’s willingness to look into the issue and expressed hope that he will work with colleagues across government to bring an end to the use of SLAPPs to stifle free speech. He stressed the importance of ensuring the UK stands firmly against transnational repression and protects the right to speak out in the public interest.

Commenting, Tom said: 

“SLAPPs are a serious threat to democracy. They are being used to hide the truth, intimidate journalists, and prevent scrutiny. The UK must not be a place where that kind of intimidation is allowed to happen.

“The new laws are a step in the right direction, but they don’t go far enough. SLAPPs aren’t just about economic crime—they’re being used in all sorts of cases to silence people. We need proper protections for anyone speaking out in the public interest, no matter what the issue is. 

“We have a responsibility to stand up for free speech and protect those who take risks to expose wrongdoing. That starts with closing the loopholes that allow SLAPPs to happen.”

PRESS RELEASE ENDS