I’ve added my voice to calls to strengthen legal protections for journalists against lawsuits used to silence public interest reporting.
Our local media, including the city’s Daily Echo, has been outspoken about the impact of SLAPPs, which are designed to intimidate and financially exhaust reporters to suppress stories before they reach the public.
Together with Satvir Kaur, I’ve written to the culture secretary to support protections for journalists against vexatious and groundless legal threats.
Dear Secretary of State, Re: Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs)
17 April 2026
We are writing to you regarding the issue of Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs), and their impact on journalism in Southampton. As this government has recognised, local newspapers such as the Southern Daily Echo play a crucial role in informing and championing our communities, as well as holding to account businesses, public bodies and politicians.
We are concerned that this important work is being put at risk by bullying legal tactics (SLAPPs) that are used to try and silence responsible reporting and prevent important public interest matters from coming into the public domain. The editor and his team of hardworking journalists at the Daily Echo are one of a number of media outlets across the country who have raised concerns about the increasing use of these legal threats and actions that can place significant strain on newsroom resources, and in some cases prevent the publication of reporting undertaken in the public interest.
While such cases are often associated with national or international outlets, sadly similar pressures are also being felt at the local level. This is leading to costly and time-intensive legal challenges, particularly for smaller and less well resourced newsrooms.
We are increasingly concerned at the chilling effect that SLAPPS can have on legitimate public interest journalism at a time when our vital local media is under significant pressures – pressures that this government has recognised in its recent Local Media Action Plan. Local journalism is a vital part of local democracy and that’s why it is right that this government takes steps to protect it. Satvir has previously raised the issue of SLAPPs in the Chamber. We would now both welcome an update on the steps that your department is currently taking or planning to take to address SLAPPs and protect journalists from vexatious and groundless legal threats.
We would be grateful for any further detail you are able to provide.
Yours sincerely,
Satvir Kaur MP Member of Parliament for Southampton Test
Darren Paffey MP Member of Parliament for Southampton Itchen