Chamber and committees

Thank you. I am happy to keep the committee updated as we progress.

The task force includes representatives from the UK Government and the EU, and I know that Scottish officials are part of it, too. By itself, legislation would not address all the potential issues that SLAPPs raise. There needs to be more of a holistic approach, which is why we are working with the task force.

I will bring in Michael Paparakis to answer that question.

Yes, we do take it seriously. Globally and historically, there has been evidence that SLAPPs have been an issue. As I said, we have seen action being taken in Europe and the rest of the UK, so it is time for the Scottish Government to act on the matter. I take your point that this is an old petition, but we are moving forward. Consultation will happen this autumn, but I cannot give a specific date at this time. It will run for 12 weeks, and then we will look at the responses and take it from there. I cannot predict what the Cabinet might suggest regarding legislation.

Thank you.

The petitioner was there when my predecessor wrote to the committee to say that the petition was under consideration. We have seen definite progress being made in the EU and in the UK in recent months, and in the private member’s bill going through. That is why we decided to take action. We will go out to consultation in the autumn.

Not at the moment. I will keep the committee updated on that. I know that that is still in the early stages of going through the EU and through the UK Parliament. It has not passed yet or gone to the House of Lords, so I have no concerns at this stage.

We will engage with all the jurisdictions that have introduced legislation and will work with stakeholders.

Michael Paparakis may want to add something.

It is worthy of consideration.

Absolutely. I saw the correspondence that mentioned the figure of £25,000. I think that, when I spoke to my officials about that, it was in the context of UK-wide litigation.

I have looked at legal aid and, as you know, it can be considered on a case-to-case basis if anyone wants to pursue in that way. However, I totally accept your point and your comments on that issue.