You have it backwards, suing for defamation in the UK is considerably easier than in the US. The 1A in the US makes defamation and label very hard to prove - you must demonstrate that the statement is false, that the defamer knew it was false, and that you suffered damages as a result. All three must be met.
In the UK malicious intent is all that is needed - even if the statement is in fact true.
In the UK malicious intent is all that is needed - even if the statement is in fact true.