Nadhim Zahawi, the tax scandal, and the reported actions of his libel lawyers have put ‘SLAPPs’ firmly in the spotlight—not a comfortable place for a strategy designed to prevent public scrutiny.
But what is a SLAPP, and why does good PR remain crucial?
SLAPPs are Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation, and are intended to censor, intimidate, and silence critics by burdening them with the cost of a legal defense until they abandon their criticism or opposition.
These lawsuits have become an increasing phenomenon in recent years, often brought on behalf of companies or individuals with deep pockets and much to lose reputationally. The aim of a SLAPP is to intimidate the media into shutting down debate due to fear of gigantic legal costs, and concerns abound that they are being used (unchecked) by powerful figures to stifle legitimate criticism.
What is plain as day, however, certainly in Zahawi’s case, is that his SLAPP strategy has backfired dramatically. Instead of keeping his tax affairs schtum, they have been the subject of weeks of media scrutiny and front-page headlines, made all the more piquant by the revelation that this was a story the former Chancellor strenuously sought to silence.Why good PR is important
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