The new provisions empower courts to strike out abusive claims designed to silence public-interest speech on economic crime and protect defendants from costs orders. However, the scope is narrow—limited to disclosures linked to financial wrongdoing—leaving environmental or social whistle-blowers outside its reach.
A broader Strategic Litigation Against Public Participation Bill promises to widen coverage later this year. Meanwhile, the SRA has issued detailed guidance warning solicitors that aggressive, meritless or oppressive tactics could breach core principles of integrity and independence.
Coulter concludes that the anti-SLAPP regime’s real impact will depend on how courts and regulators enforce it—and whether Parliament has the courage to broaden its shield.
