UK to clamp down on libel ‘lawfare’ by the rich in English courts

Claimants will have to prove malice, as government seeks to curb Slapps' that use wealth to deter scrutiny

Ministers have set out plans to cap the costs of libel lawsuits and force claimants to prove actual malice" in an attempt to deter legal action often used by Russian oligarchs to intimidate journalists and block publication of their links to Vladimir Putin.

The UK government said it would seek legal reforms to discourage so-called strategic lawsuits against public participation (Slapps). Such lawsuits can be pursued by corporations or individuals with deep pockets, with the aim of deterring investigation and scrutiny by threatening years of costly and time-consuming legal action.