Trivial libel claims are to be targeted by new defamation laws which came into force this week

The Defamation Act 2013 introduces a “new serious harm threshold” designed to discourage wasteful use of court time.

Ministers claim the new legislation “reverses the chilling effect” previous libel laws have had on freedom of expression and legitimate debate, acknowledging that journalists have faced unfair legal threats for making fair criticisms of companies, people or products.

Justice minister Shailesh Vara said: “As a result of these new laws, anyone expressing views and engaging in public debate can do so in the knowledge that the law offers them stronger protection against unjust and unfair threats of legal action.”

“These laws coming into force represent the end of a long and hard-fought battle to ensure a fair balance is struck between the right to freedom of expression and people’s ability to protect their reputation.”

The Act also includes a single publication rule to prevent repeated claims against a publisher about the same material.