The number of defamation cases in the UK courts rose by 6% during 2009-10 after a spike in the number of claims brought by celebrities, new figures have revealed.

The research, conducted by Sweet & Maxwell, shows the number of reported defamation cases rose by 6% from 78 in 2008-09 to 83 in 2009-10, with the number of celebrity cases almost trebling from 11 to 30, including high-profile claims brought by stars including Lily Allen, Kate Beckinsale (pictured) and David Beckham.

However, the much-publicised issue of 'libel tourism' had only a minor impact on the figures, with just three of the 83 cases falling under that definition, including oil billionaire Roman Abramovich's claim against Italian publisher Gruppo Editoriale L'Espresso.

The much-maligned practice of libel tourism involves the use of UK libel laws by international plaintiffs to sue media outlets with limited interests in the UK.

Critics of UK libel laws say that libel tourism allows powerful foreign figures to use UK courts to restrict press freedoms of the international media.

In the US, legislation was recently passed which prevents UK libel judgments being enforced in the US.

The news comes as the Ministry of Justice prepares to publish a draft defamation bill, which is set to be consulted on next year.

Addleshaw Goddard media law specialist Korieh Duodu commented: "The results show that there are just a handful of cases involving individuals from outside the UK. This contradicts the much-publicised theory that the UK's legal system is being exploited by 'libel tourists'."

Wiggin media partner Caroline Kean, who defends media groups, commented: "It is not surprising that there are only a few cases that have been bought that would be properly described as libel tourism.

"The problem is not with regard to the numbers of extreme cases that are brought, but the fact that these cases can cost hundreds of thousands of pounds to defend despite the claimant having the most minimal connection to this country and getting no vindication in their own country at all."

She added: "Though few and far between, the scale of abuse, especially in relation to the costs involved, is very damaging to our system."