AH - Even gossip can bring you unstuck in defamation matters- spead a rumour about someones sex life, professional competence or moral standing and you could be gone big time.
Me -The following links are recommended; great for reading over quiet coffee or ale.
Qualified privilege
This is what started a heated debate (Baroom Barristers Association) . Creampuff supplied the pertinent clues, it is worth a read.
It's a favourite wriggle hole for likes of 'Officials' who use their assumed legal power, contrary to all other things prescribed; with full knowledge that 'they' won't be touched. (gutless). They can be of course; but it's about half a decade and a new house to get the thing up in a court. By then of course - see TPB above.