Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation

Lord Garnier Excerpts

Wednesday 24th July 2024 Lords Chamber

[Lord Ponsonby of Shulbrede (Lab)]

I agree with that point, but it is a complex question and we want to look at it in the round.

[Lord Garnier (Con)]

My Lords, I declare an interest, in that I have been practising at the defamation Bar since the mid-1970s. Much has been said in this House and in Committee about the need for SLAPP laws. I invite the Minister to look, if he can, at the letter I wrote to his predecessor, my noble and learned friend Lord Bellamy, on this very subject just before the election; if he cannot look at it, I will send him a copy. Will he also undertake to put this matter before the Law Commission, so that we can generate rather more light than heat?

[Lord Ponsonby of Shulbrede (Lab)]

My Lords, I am happy to look at the letter and to consider whether the matter should go before the Law Commission.