Read our Privacy noticeThe Independent has joined more than 120 high-profile names from across the UK in backing calls for Sir Keir Starmer to include protections from silencing lawsuits in the next King’s Speech. A Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP) is described as “an abusive lawsuit filed by a private party with the purpose of silencing critical speech” by the UK Anti-SLAPP Coalition. Research shows that SLAPPs are on the rise and that the UK is the number one originator of these kinds of legal actions. The letter calling on the government to give parliamentary time to stamp out SLAPPs has been released to mark the fifth anniversary of the UK Anti-SLAPP Coalition on Wednesday. The UK Anti-SLAPP Coalition co-chairs said: “A commitment to stamp out SLAPPs is a commitment to ensuring British justice remains a level playing field.