Legislation proposed to stop lawsuits used to silence journalists and whistleblowers

Private members’ bills to crack down on use of Slapps are likely to attract cross-party support

A coordinated push to protect whistleblowers, journalists and victims of sexual assault from being sued by those who wish to silence them has been launched in both houses of parliament.

Two private members’ bills designed to crack down on strategic lawsuits against public participation, known as Slapps, have been introduced by Conservative members within 24 hours of each other, and are likely to attract cross-party support.

Labour ministers are understood to be supportive of the bills after frustration in the Ministry of Justice that similar measures did not form part of the king’s speech .

However, sources said progress was at an early stage given the political turmoil about a potential leadership challenge to Keir Starmer – though the MoJ would offer advice on the drafting.

The bills follow a long campaign for better protection from financially crippling lawsuits for those speaking up on issues of public interest. Claims that go all the way to trial can cost as much as £1m a party in legal fees, with the losing party paying the other side’s costs.

Tina Stowell, a former BBC communications chief who was leader of the House of Lords under David Cameron, published a draft bill on Tuesday, followed by John Whittingdale , the MP for Maldon and former Conservative culture secretary, who presented his strategic litigation against public participation bill on Wednesday.

Whittingdale said his bill, which is due to be debated in November, had support “across parliament” and from “all sections of the media”. He said Slapps “represent an abuse of the legal system and for too long have been used by the rich and powerful to suppress legitimate investigative journalism and to muzzle free expression”.