Anyone who states an honest opinion or responsibly exposes issues of public interest will be able to do so with confidence under a shake-up of libel laws, Mr Clarke said.
New defences brought in under the draft Defamation Bill will protect those expressing honest opinion.
The ‘common law’ defence of justification – ie that what was said is true – will be strengthened by being written into statute.
Clarke is also planning to crack down on libel tourism by foreign claimants suing in England and Wales because they expect a more favourable result. The draft bill will allow the courts to decide if they are the most appropriate place to bring an action.
A claimant will also have to prove they have suffered ‘substantial harm’.
The ruling comes after a number of high-profile cases of companies suing scientists who criticise their products.
Celebrities, politicians and business people have also sued journalists and publishing companies who criticise them, even if it is in a foreign newspaper or magazine.
Mr Clarke said: ‘The right to speak freely and debate issues without fear of censure is a .’