Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation Debate

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Department: Ministry of Justice

Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation

Lord Garnier Excerpts
Wednesday 24th July 2024

(3 months, 2 weeks ago)

Lords Chamber
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Lord Ponsonby of Shulbrede Portrait Lord Ponsonby of Shulbrede (Lab)
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I agree with that point, but it is a complex question and we want to look at it in the round.

Lord Garnier Portrait Lord Garnier (Con)
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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 Portrait Lord Ponsonby of Shulbrede (Lab)
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My Lords, I am happy to look at the letter and to consider whether the matter should go before the Law Commission.