1. The Government commenced sections 194 and 195 of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA) on 18 June 2025, which are designed to tackle Strategic Litigation Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) claims related to economic crime. This marks a significant first step in addressing this abusive practice, which employs intimidation tactics to silence individuals exercising their right to free speech on matters of public interest. 2. The Government understands the profound financial and psychological impact SLAPPs have on victims, and their effect on our legal system and society. They curtail free speech, have a chilling effect on public interest journalism and pose a threat to our democracy. 3. The Civil Procedure Rule Committee (CPRC) approved amendments to the Civil Procedure Rules to fulfil the requirement under section 194 of the ECCTA, introducing a bespoke early dismissal mechanism for SLAPPs that lack sufficient merit. These amendments also provide costs protection for defendants in cases that proceed to trial. In addition, section 195 of ECCTA establishes a statutory definition of economic crime-related SLAPPs. 4. While this is a positive first step, it is important to clarify that the Government is considering its future approach to comprehensively addressing all SLAPPs - not just those related to economic crime. This future strategy will be informed by insights gained from the operation of the ECCTA. 5. The Government has committed to monitoring the procedural rules and will report back to CPRC one year after implementation, by June 2026. The timing of any such review, however, shall remain contingent upon case volumes. The Government is currently finalising the criteria for assessing the effectiveness of the ECCTA provisions and will update this Committee at an appropriate juncture. Policing and Support for Victims