The Foreign Policy Centre (FPC), Justice for Journalists (JFJ) Foundation and the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) are delighted to announce the second edition of their UK Anti-SLAPP Conference to be held on Monday 28th and Tuesday 29th November 2022, both online and in-person in London.

Following a highly successful inaugural conference last November, which highlighted the issue of SLAPPs with the participation of more than 40 speakers from 20 countries, this year’s edition will focus on the theme of ‘Spotlighting Solutions’.

On 20th July 2022, the UK Government announced its plan to introduce legislative reforms to address SLAPPs, following a consultation that found SLAPPs are having ‘a chilling effect’ on media freedom. The developments in the UK follow proposals already announced by the European Union for an Anti-SLAPP Directive and interest in other countries to adopt national legislation. The conference will be an opportunity to reflect on the successes and weaknesses of anti-SLAPP laws already adopted, including in countries like the United States and Canada.

Beyond laws, this two-day conference will also explore how stronger regulatory action, direct support for those subject to SLAPPs, as well as wider cultural shifts could help make SLAPPs an unattractive choice for those seeking to avoid public scrutiny. The FPC and JFJ will once more bring together experts from across the globe to delve into this topic and explore how we can reduce the impact such legal challenges have on journalists, media freedom and wider society.

To register to attend, and get updates on speakers and sessions, please sign up at here or below. Space to attend in person will be limited, so please write to events@fpc.org.uk to apply.