Financial Times editor Roula Khalaf has called for action to stop the “professionalised intimidation” of journalists in the UK legal system.

Speaking at this year’s Hugh Cudlipp Lecture, Khalaf called for caps on legal costs and powers for judges to halt libel claims early.

Her comments come amid growing calls to tackle strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) – suits brought by wealthy individuals and large companies with the goal of silencing journalists.