At Prospect’s 2024 National Conference, motion 97, SLAPP Protection for Members, was remitted back to the NEC.
This page provides information to members on what SLAPPs are and how to seek support if faced with such litigation.
What are SLAPPs?
Strategic Litigation Against Public Participation, or SLAPPs, refer to litigation brought or threatened, designed not to resolve a genuine dispute but to intimidate or harass. The aim is to discourage or shut down lawful scrutiny of matters in the public interest such as corruption or wrongdoing. Claims are unmeritorious and often involve the use of abusive tactics to silence or intimidate critics, for example journalists, academics, campaign groups, or whistleblowers. SLAPPs are commonly brought as defamation or privacy claims.
Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) Warning Notice
The SRA has issued a warning notice to solicitors about the use of SLAPPs.
The notice emphasises that legal representation must not become intimidatory through the use of heavy-handed tactics that are oppressive or abusive. Representing clients’ interests in this way is likely to breach a solicitor’s duties to act with integrity and uphold public trust and confidence and the rule of law.
Seeking support
Should members be concerned that they are, or may be, subject to such litigation, they should contact their Bectu Full Time Official or the Member Contact Centre on 0300 600 1878, for initial support and guidance.
As appropriate, cases will be referred to Bectu’s in-house legal team for specialist advice and support. Support offered is subject to our established approach to assessment for legal support. Our guide to legal advice can be viewed here.