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.