The Government yesterday announced new curbs on libel claims. The Defamation Bill provides a new 'public interest' defence which can be used by defendants in defamation cases; there is now a requirement for claimants to demonstrate substantial harm before they can sue; it makes it harder for overseas claims which have little connection to the UK to be brought in the English courts; and it introduces a "single publication rule", meaning repeat claims for libel cannot be made every time a publication is accessed on the internet.
Further details on the new curbs on libel claims can be found at: http://www.justice.gov.uk/news/newsrelease150311a.htm