On January 20, 2022, the UK Parliament engaged in a more than 2 ½ hour debate on “Lawfare and the UK Court System.” (youtube.com/watch?v=fK5vmeCxhXQ) The result: in March, 2022, the Ministry of Justice issued a Call for Evidence on reforms to tackle SLAPPs and protect those who speak out in the public good. According to Rt. Hon. Dominic Raab MP, “SLAPPs, are a growing threat to freedom of speech and a free press – fundamental liberties that are the lifeblood of our democracy. Typically used by the super-rich, SLAPPs stifle legitimate reporting and debate. They are at their most pernicious before cases ever reach a courtroom, with seemingly endless legal letters that threaten our journalists, academics, and campaigners with sky-high costs and damages. SLAPPs pile on the pressure until investigations into corruption are shut down, and some individuals or corporations are regarded as ‘no go’ zones, because of the risk of legal retaliation. It’s especially concerning that – with the war raging in Ukraine – these baseless legal claims are being made by oligarchs and corporations who bankroll the Putin regime, exploiting our laws and jurisdiction to muzzle free speech, and prevent journalists and campaigners from shining a light on corruption.” On July 20, 2022 the Ministry of Justice issued its Response to the Call for Evidence calling for legislative reform measures to address SLAPPSs including a new statutory early dismissal process to strike out SLAPPs and avoid lengthy SLAPP litigation and the adoption of a formal costs protection scheme.