Strategic Litigation Against Public Participation Bill

This bill aims to prevent 'SLAPP' cases, Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation, where powerful individuals or organisations use legal threats to silence legitimate criticism or protest. The legislation would make it harder for claimants to pursue cases that appear designed mainly to intimidate rather than to obtain genuine justice. It introduces early dismissal procedures so weak cases can be thrown out quickly, protects defendants' freedom of expression, and potentially shifts legal costs onto those who pursue these abusive lawsuits. The bill strengthens protections for whistleblowers, campaigners, journalists, and ordinary citizens exercising their right to speak publicly on matters of public interest.